The reaction of connective tissue fibers in the tumor of Recklinghausen's disease.

The structure of connective tissue fibers in cutaneous neurofibroma was investigated by normal transmission electron microscopy and by the electron microscopic dark field method. Elastic fibers were found in the periphery of the tumor nodules. Proceeding towards the center of the tumor the elastin content of the fibers diminished leaving at least a microfibrillary bundle. The collagenous fibrils normally had a diameter of 300-400 A. Only in the periphery of the tumor thick collagenous fibrils (700-800 A) comparable with those of the normal skin could be detected. In the vicinity of nerve fascicles in the tumor, numerous banded structures, so called "Luse bodies" were found.