The Extravascular Matrix Patterns:
Three-Dimensional Configuration
Extravascular matrix patterns, demonstrated in two-dimensional tissue sections of uveal melanoma, appear in a variety of configurations: arcs, arcs with branching, loops, networks (at least three back-to-back loops), parallel structures, and cross-linking parallel structures. The formation of back-to-back loops in 4 micron-thick tissue sections is inconsistent with the topology of blood vessels. We earlier speculated that these patterns surrounded spheroidal nests of tumor cells.
Recent investigations now demonstrate the three-dimensional configuration of these patterns in primary human uveal melanomas using novel tissue reconstruction strategies.
Reference: Chen X, et al. Three-dimensional reconstruction of extravascular matrix patterns and blood vessels in human uveal melanoma tissue: techniques and preliminary findings. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2003 (in press).
Upon publication of this paper in July 2003, links will be posted on this page to a website from which digital movies of the reconstructed extrvascular matrix matterns may be viewed and downloaded.