Some electron microscopic and autoradiographic results concerning cutaneous neurofibromas in von Recklinghausen's disease.

The cutaneous tumors of 5 patients with clinical symptoms of Recklinghausens neurofibromatosis were investigated by light and electron microscopy. Special reference was given to the study of initial changes of the disease and the structure of the nerve fascicles which end in the tumor. In 2 patients the proliferating cells were determined by using an autoradiographic technique. It was discovered that all cellular elements of a peripheral nerve are involved by the tumor formation. The results were discussed and compared with the alterations during nerve regeneration after traumatic injury.