Fig. 2. Keratin aggregate formation is delayed where desmosomes are numerous. DM-EBS cells (KEB-7) stretched for 10 minutes and stained for keratin 14 using monoclonal antibody LL001. Short periods of stretch reveal that desmosomes provide initial resistance to keratin fragmentation and highlight areas of the cell where the keratin network is least resistant to the force of stretch, i.e. at apices where three cells meet and along free edges. Inset shows the presence of two distinct types of keratin aggregate: solid keratin aggregates (arrow) and hollow ring structures (asterisk). Bars, 10 µm.