[Characterization of granulation and cicatrical tissue of chronic gastric ulcer. A light and electron microscopic investigation].

Conventional histological and immunohistochemical methods as well as electron microscopy were used to investigate floor and margins of chronic ventricular ulcers of gastrectomy samples taken from 55 patients aged between 20 and 61 years. A distinction could be made between a superficial and a deep layer of granulation tissue as well as between instable and stable cicatricial tissue. Broadening of the superficial, immature layer of granulation tissue together with dystrophic alterations in the latter were shown to be signs of ulcer progression, whereas broadening and maturation of deeper layers of granulation tissue as well as thickening of the stable cicatricial zone were interpreted as morphological indicators to ulcer healing. The balance was instable among different zones of the ulcer wall and could possibly be shifted to either side, activation or healing of the ulcer. The direction actually taken by the process could be seen from the morphological pattern.