Figure 5.

Typical macroscopic and microscopic features of flaps in the different experimental groups. Macroscopic images were taken on the third day post-operatively (D3 Post-op), and seven days post-operatively (D7 Post-op). Microscopic images were taken with immunohistochemical staining with anti-BD-2 (BD-2 IH), or anti-BD-3 (BD-3 IH) antibodies of flap biopsies performed on the seventh day after the surgery. Scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) of the surface of catheters were taken at 750X or 7500X amplification. Figures (Y to D’) show the typical aspect of leucocytes on the surface of foreign bodies. In figures (E’ to J’) the characteristic features of bacteria on the surface of foreign bodies using the magnifications employed for counting purposes are illustrated. Calibration bar = 100 µm (M,N, P–T, V–X); 25 µm (O, U); 10 µm (Y–D’); 1 µm (E’–J’).