Showing papers in "Archives of Dermatological Research in 1987"
TL;DR: No differences were found between men and women regarding forehead and cheek pH distribution, but the group over the age of 80 showed higher pH values on both the forehead and the cheek.
Abstract: The skin surface pH on the forehead and cheek of 574 men and women aged 18–95 was measured. No differences were found between men and women regarding forehead and cheek pH distribution. The group over the age of 80 showed higher pH values on both the forehead and the cheek. In 89% of the subjects measured, the skin surface pH on the cheek was higher than that on the forehead. The central 90%, i.e., the “representative range”, for the population below the age of 80 is between 4.0–5.5 on the forehead and between 4.2–5.9 on the cheek.
150 citations
TL;DR: Increased sensitization against foreign protein together with high susceptibility to cutaneous infection present in AD is in contrast to high phagocyte responsiveness in psoriasis, where concurrent infections are rare.
Abstract: In this report we investigate the simultaneous occurrence of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) as well as the association with infectious skin diseases. Among 29,159 patients hospitalized between 1953 and 1983, 8.5% (2,467 patients) were treated for psoriasis, while 1.6% (470 patients) were hospitalized for AD treatment. On the basis of incidence rates for both diseases, 36 patients (0.14%) with both psoriasis and AD were expected to be seen. However, the two conditions were simultaneously present in 2 patients only. Approximately 30% of the AD patients were suffering from either bacterial or viral infection, while this complication occurred in 6.7% of psoriatics. In addition, among 48 patients hospitalized for eczema herpeticatum 39 were atopics and none was psoriatic. The data demonstrate that the occurrence of psoriasis and AD in one and the same patient is quite rare and this may be related to conflicting immune defense patterns. Thus, increased sensitization against foreign protein together with high susceptibility to cutaneous infection present in AD is in contrast to high phagocyte responsiveness in psoriasis, where concurrent infections are rare.
126 citations
TL;DR: The fact that the patient demonstrated no natural killer-cell or activated killer- cell activity against the Se-Ax cell line may in part explain the successful establishment of the continuous cell line from bulk culture.
Abstract: A continuous cell line, Se-Ax, from a patient with Sezary syndrome has been established. The Se-Ax cell line is IL-2 dependent, requires human serum for permanent growth, and has the following phenotype: CD1-, CD2+, CD3+, CD4-, CD5-, CD8-, CD20-, CD25+; it expresses the T9, T10, and HLA-DR antigens. This cell line reveals multiple chromosome aberrations as seen in the most abundant abnormal clone in peripheral blood. Therefore, it is not unlikely that it derives from tumor cells. A putative cytotoxic cell line derived from the same patient has only weak killer-cell activity against the autologous permanent cell line: this CD8+ cytotoxic cell line has a 14q+ chromosomal marker. The fact that the patient demonstrated no natural killer-cell or activated killer-cell activity against the Se-Ax cell line may in part explain the successful establishment of the continuous cell line from bulk culture.
119 citations
TL;DR: The findings showed an appreciable difference in the permeability of the skin from one site to another with regard to both water loss and chemical penetration and independent of the physicochemical properties of the molecules administered, there was a linear relationship between TEWL and penetration.
Abstract: The relationship between the percutaneous penetration of four chemicals and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was investigated in vivo in man as a function of anatomic site. The findings showed an appreciable difference in the permeability of the skin from one site to another with regard to both water loss and chemical penetration. In addition, independent of the physicochemical properties of the molecules administered, there was a linear relationship between TEWL and penetration. These data confirm both the importance of anatomic site in the degree of permeability of the cutaneous barrier and the utility of determinations of TEWL and percutaneous absorption in the evaluation of its functional condition.
79 citations
TL;DR: The emission spectra showed distinct features in all the four subjects investigated (who were different with respect to age, sex, follicle sampling area, and tendency to acne) and dominant peaks due to at least three porphyrins were found.
Abstract: Fluorescence studies were performed on the extrusions from pilosebaceous follicles. Pressure extractions produced follicle samples which showed fluorescence under Wood's light. The samples were then analysed in a fluorometer giving corrected excitation spectra. The structured emission spectra achieved were interpreted as being due to porphyrins produced by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Details in the spectra showed close resemblance to spectra from cultured P. acnes cells. The emission spectra showed distinct features in all the four subjects investigated (who were different with respect to age, sex, follicle sampling area, and tendency to acne) and dominant peaks due to at least three porphyrins were found. The concentrations of these porphyrins vary from case to case. Excitation spectra were recorded and supported the assumption that the fluorescent emission was partly due to coproporphyrins and metalloporphyrins in the samples. Free protoporphyrins did not seem to be present in the extrusions. The excitation spectra, in particular, vary from person to person but seem to be constant over time in one and the same subject.
79 citations
TL;DR: In localized scleroderma the fibroblasts have undergone a coordinated activation of collagen synthesis at transcriptional level, and the cellular levels of type I procollagen mRNAs were increased in all the cells exhibiting an increased synthesis of collagen.
Abstract: Fibroblast cultures were started from affected and unaffected skin areas of six patients with localized scleroderma in an active stage. The cell lines were studied for synthesis of procollagens and fibronectin by metabolic labeling with 3H-proline and for their contents of mRNAs for pro alpha 1(I) and pro alpha 2(I) collagen. For this purpose a cDNA clone for human pro alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA was constructed. The clone was identified by restriction site mapping and hybridization to the specific mRNAs. All the scleroderma fibroblast lines produced increased amounts of type I and type III collagens and fibronectin during the early passages. The cell lines gradually reduced their elevated synthesis of collagen and fibronectin to normal or near normal levels by the tenth passage. The ratios of alpha 1(I) and alpha 2(I) chains and of type I and type III collagens, and the extent of type I procollagen processing, remained relatively unchanged in all the cultures. The cellular levels of type I procollagen mRNAs were increased in all the cells exhibiting an increased synthesis of collagen. The results suggest that in localized scleroderma the fibroblasts have undergone a coordinated activation of collagen synthesis at transcriptional level.
68 citations
TL;DR: Comparative studies on growth kinetics of cultivated human hair bulb papilla cells (PCs) and hair root sheath fibroblasts (RSFs) yielded evidence of some pecularities of PCs in both proliferative behavior and morphological growth pattern, yet at a different intensity for each cell group.
Abstract: Comparative studies on growth kinetics of cultivated human hair bulb papilla cells (PCs) and hair root sheath fibroblasts (RSFs) yielded evidence of some peculiarities of PCs in both proliferative behavior and morphological growth pattern. As the dermal papilla, essentially supporting the nutrition of matrix epithelium, can be considered a target tissue for agents influencing maintenance of hair growth, we studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), minoxidil (Mino), and hydrocortisone (HC) on the proliferation of PCs and RSFs, both gained from dissected hair follicles of scalp biopsy specimens of two male adults and separately cultured in vitro. EGF and FGF proved to increase proliferation of both PCs and RSFs most, yet at a different intensity for each cell group. HC slowed proliferation, and Mino failed to influence growth of PCs and RSFs.
65 citations
TL;DR: The results confirm the previously reported evidence regarding HPV involvement in oral mucosal lesions, and the use of the in situ DNA hybridization as a powerful tool in detecting the specific HPV DNA sequences in routinely processed oral biopsy specimens is strongly recommended.
Abstract: A series of 144 surgically treated benign oral mucosal lesions were analysed using an in situ DNA hybridization technique with 35S-labeled human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA probes to demonstrate the DNA of HPV types 6, 11, 13, and 16, in routinely processed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. These lesions and an additional 62 benign oral mucosal biopsy specimens (total, 206 specimens) were also assessed by the indirect immunoperoxidase (IP-PAP) technique to detect the expression of HPV structural proteins (viral antigens). A total of 54/206 (26.2%) lesions were observed to express HPV antigens, being found in 45/92 (48.9%) of the squamous cell papillomas/condylomas, in 1/54 fibrous hyperplasias, in 1/8 true fibromas, and in 7/8 (87.5%) of the focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) lesions. Of the HPV DNA-positive lesions, 15/45 (33.3%) expressed HPV antigens, the expression not being related to any particular HPV type. HPV DNA sequences were found in 45/144 (31.3%) of the lesions. HPV DNA was present with the highest frequency in FEH (83.3%), papillary hyperplasia (28.6%), fibrous hyperplasia (24.4%), and true fibromas (14.3%). The most frequent HPV type was HPV 11, representing 37.8% of the DNA-positive lesions. HPV 13 DNA, previously regarded as specific to FEH, was disclosed as a single HPV type in seven cases, and as a double infection by HPV 11 and 13 in an additional three cases, including all five morphologically distinct entities. Noteworthy is the discovery, of the high-risk HPV type 16 DNA in 17.8% of the DNA-positive lesions, four papilloma/condyloma lesions, three fibrous hyperplasias, and one FEH. The results confirm the previously reported evidence regarding HPV involvement in oral mucosal lesions. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of the epidemiology, HPV etiology, and proper classification of the oral mucosal lesions, with special emphasis on the discovery of the high-risk HPV type 16 in the benign lesions as well as in oral cancer. The use of the in situ DNA hybridization as a powerful tool in detecting the specific HPV DNA sequences in routinely processed oral biopsy specimens is strongly recommended.
62 citations
TL;DR: To determine which lipoxygenase products may be of pathogenic importance, analysis of early psoriatic lesions is warranted and the variation in their occurrence may be important for understanding their potential role in psoriasis.
Abstract: Several biologically active lipoxygenase products or arachidonic acid (AA) have been demonstrated in psoriatic skin lesions. The purpose of the present study was to determine the amounts of the different lipoxygenase products simultaneously in psoriatic skin. Slices of psoriatic skin were obtained at different levels with a keratome. Extracted lipids were identified by high performance liquid chromatography, UV-absorption spectrum, radioimmunoassay, and chemokinesis. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and 12- and 15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) were detected in most psoriatic lesions. However, there was a remarkable variation from lesion to lesion. The biopsy specimens contained: 276.2±126.0 pg/g wet tissue of LTB4, 3,130.0±2,898.0 ng/g wet tissue of 12-HETE, and 3,633.0±1,692.0 ng/g wet tissue of 15-HETE. No correlation was found between the levels of the different lipoxygenase products. The content of each of the identified lipoxygenase products was higher in the superficial part of the biopsy specimen consisting of approximately two-thirds of the epidermis plus papillary dermis than in the lower part consisting of approximately one-third of the epidermis plus some reticular dermis. Also, there was a great variation from one anatomical region to another within the same patient. Because these lipoxygenase products possess different biological activities, the variation in their occurrence may be important for understanding their potential role in psoriasis. To determine which lipoxygenase products may be of pathogenic importance, analysis of early psoriatic lesions is warranted.
55 citations
TL;DR: The distribution of involucrin was studied in epidermis from different body sites, in organotypic cultures and in transplants of keratinocytes onto nude mice, finding that premature expression was not associated with poor morphological differentiation, and the site of onset of involuntaryucrin synthesis is not determined by the degree of Morphological differentiation of the tissue.
Abstract: Involucrin, the major protein precursor of the cornified envelope, is expressed during terminal differentiation of human keratinocytes, both in vivo and in vitro. In epidermis, the onset of synthesis is several layers above the basal layer, but in stratified cultures of keratinocytes on tissue culture plastic involucrin synthesis begins in the first suprabasal layer. To investigate the reason for this premature expression, the distribution of involucrin was studied in epidermis from different body sites, in organotypic cultures and in transplants of keratinocytes onto nude mice. We found that premature expression was not associated with poor morphological differentiation, because involucrin synthesis began immediately above the basal layer even when distinct basal, spinous, granular and cornified layers were formed in organotypic cultures recombined with dermis. The site of involucrin expression in culture did not depend on the number of cornified layers present. The only conditions which resulted in an upward shift in the site of synthesis were in 3-week old transplants on nude mice. We conclude that the site of onset of involucrin synthesis is not determined by the degree of morphological differentiation of the tissue, and discuss other factors which may be involved.
53 citations
TL;DR: The value of antibodies Ki-1 and Ber-H2 in distinguishing between lymphomatoid papulosis and other types of pre- or pseudo-malignant disorders are indicated and support the view that lymphom atoid papilosis, Hodgkin's disease and some types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma constitute a spectrum of related disorders.
Abstract: Skin biopsy specimens from normal skin and from 115 patients with benign dermatoses, pre- or pseudo-malignant disorders or malignant cutaneous lymphomas have been examined immunohistologically for expression of the Reed-Sternberg cell associated antigen CD30 detected by monoclonal antibodies Ki-1 and Ber-H2. The antibodies stained the atypical cells in lymphomatoid papulosis, a proportion of the neoplastic cells in some cases of mycosis fungoides and most of the neoplastic cells in six large cell anaplastic/pleomorphic non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The lymphoid cells in all other specimens were Ki-1- and Ber-H2-negative. In all cases, expression of the Ki-1/Ber-H2 antigen was accompanied by expression of activation and proliferation associated markers (i. e., HLA-DR, IL-2 receptor, transferrin receptor and the Ki-67 nuclear antigen). These data indicate the value of antibodies Ki-1 and Ber-H2 in distinguishing between lymphomatoid papulosis and other types of pre- or pseudo-malignant disorders and support the view that lymphomatoid papulosis, Hodgkin's disease and some types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma constitute a spectrum of related disorders, originated from activated lymphoid cells.
TL;DR: It is concluded that SP and VIP may potentiate histamine in wheal formation and thus contribute to the increased reactivity of the skin to trauma and temperature changes in patients with physical urticaria.
Abstract: Substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were assayed in lesions and normal skin of patients with dermographism and cold urticaria utilizing suction-induced blisters. There was no difference in SP and VIP concentrations between challenged and control skin of urticaria patients. On the whole, however, the concentration of both neuropeptides, and VIP in particular, was higher in the urticaria patients than in control subjects. CGRP levels were not increased. SP and VIP in blood samples from veins draining challenged skin areas were below the detection limit. It is concluded that SP and VIP may potentiate histamine in wheal formation and thus contribute to the increased reactivity of the skin to trauma and temperature changes in patients with physical urticaria.
TL;DR: A 55-year old woman with a history of herpes zoster in the dermatome supplied by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve developed cutaneous red papules and umbilicated nodules within the same segment that later turned out to be pseudolymphoma.
Abstract: A 55-year old woman with a history of herpes zoster in the dermatome supplied by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve developed cutaneous red papules and umbilicated nodules within the same segment. The clinical and histological diagnosis was pseudolymphoma. The lesions showed a polymorphous infiltrate without germinal center formation. Immunologic phenotyping with monoclonal antibodies revealed the predominance of helper T cells and distinct compartmentalization of B and T cells. The lesions healed up within 7 weeks. The development of pseudolymphomas at the site of previous herpes zoster eruptions seems to be extremely rare.
TL;DR: The 4-S-CAP appears to provide a basis for development of a new class of antimelanoma and melanocytotoxic agents that are more stable than catecholic compounds, which have been most widely utilized as a source of rational chemotherapy for malignant melanoma.
Abstract: Phenolic and catecholic compounds were synthesized, by combination with cysteine or cysteamine through thioether bond, and their antimelanoma and melanocytotoxic effects were evaluated. Among nine compounds tested, 4-S-cysteaminylphenol (CAP) resulted in an increase in the life span (% ILS) of melanoma-bearing mice and in the growth inhibition (% GI) of melanoma tissue. 4-S-Cysteinylphenol (CP) and its methyl ester form also showed some increase in % GI. The 2-S-isomers of CP and CAP and diphenolic derivatives of CP did not show any significant antimelanoma effect. In addition, the s.c. injection of 4-S-CAP and 4-S-CP, in particular 4-S-CAP, caused the depigmentation of black hair which was manifested by loss of functioning melanocytes, as seen under light microscopy. The 4-S-CAP appears to provide a basis for development of a new class of antimelanoma and melanocytotoxic agents that are more stable than catecholic compounds, which have been most widely utilized as a source of rational chemotherapy for malignant melanoma.
TL;DR: It is indicated that protein and calcium have roles in stratum corneum cell cohesion and this method of disaggregation provided a tool to determine the role of tissue components in cell cohesion.
Abstract: The work reported here indicates that protein and calcium have roles in stratum corneum cell cohesion.
TL;DR: Using the sebum-absorbent tape technique, the infantile, pubertal, acne, adult and aging patterns of follicular sebum excretion rate are disclosed, distinguished by different densities of active sebaceous follicles.
Abstract: Using the sebum-absorbent tape technique, we have disclosed five different patterns of follicular sebum excretion rate (SER). These are the infantile, pubertal, acne, adult and aging patterns, distinguished by different densities of active sebaceous follicles, by distinct levels of follicular SER and by the relative stability in time of the overall SER.
TL;DR: Results indicate that EC-GRAM activity stimulating the generation of reactive oxygen species by granulocytes is probably due to GM-CSF.
Abstract: In the present study we investigated the capability of human epidermal cells to generate granulocyte-activating mediators (GRAM). It could be shown that human epidermal cells as well as an epidermoid carcinoma cell line (A431) produce an epidermal cell-derived granulocyte-activating mediator (EC-GRAM) which stimulates human granulocytes to release significant levels of toxic oxygen radicals as measured by a lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence (CL). For further characterization of EC-GRAM the A431 cell line was used. Supernatants of A431 cells usually contained maximal EC-GRAM levels within 24 h of incubation. Factor production was enhanced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but not by silica particles and PHA. Moreover, freeze-thaw lysates of A431 cells and extracts of heat-separated human epidermis contained significant levels of EC-GRAM. Preincubation of granulocytes with EC-GRAM resulted in an enhanced response to subsequent stimulation with the chemotactic peptide f-met-phe. In contrast EC-GRAM did not affect the response to PMA or zymosan particles. However, EC-GRAM treated granulocytes were unresponsive to restimulation with EC-GRAM. Upon high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) gel filtration EC-GRAM eluted within two major peaks exhibiting a molecular weight of 17 kD and 44 kD. According to its biochemical and biological properties EC-GRAM can be separated from other cytokines such as ETAF/-interleukin 1, interleukin 2, interferons, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). However, an antibody to human GM-CSF neutralized about 75% of the activity. These results indicate that EC-GRAM activity stimulating the generation of reactive oxygen species by granulocytes is probably due to GM-CSF.
TL;DR: Histological and ultrastructural crosssections of the cultures clearly indicated that a multilayered epithelium can be obtained including a basal cell layer, several intermediate cell layers with cytoplasmic organelles, intermediate size filaments, desmosomes, and keratohyaline granules, and an upper layer of anucleated cells.
Abstract: Extracellular matrices (ECM) have been reported to enhance epithelial cell attachment and proliferation as well as to induce differentiation in vitro. Since ECM components are physiological constituents of the dermoepidermal basement membrane, we studied the growth and differentiation of human keratinocytes on ECM in order to determine the benefits of culturing epidermal epithelial cells (keratinocytes) on reconstituted basement membranes. Dissaggregated epidermal cells were grown in primary and subcultures in liquid medium; the attachment of the cells was greatly enhanced by ECM and noted within the first few hours after seeding; cells formed small islets that reached confluence within 2–12 days depending upon the plating density and the type of culture (primary or passages). Histological and ultrastructural crosssections of the cultures clearly indicated that a multilayered epithelium can be obtained including a basal cell layer, several intermediate cell layers with cytoplasmic organelles, intermediate size filaments, desmosomes, and keratohyaline granules, and an upper layer of anucleated cells. Using immunofluorescence, both pemphigus and pemphigoid (basal membrane zone) antigens were expressed. The keratin pattern noted indicated that these epithelia differentiate and keratinize but do not express a complete program of keratinization, a finding usually noted when cells are grown submersed. These data show that ECM favor epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation and suggest that they may be used to obtain large amounts of epidermal equivalent suitable for grafting and/or in vitro studies.
TL;DR: Two new methods now allow the systematic examination of the morphology and micropathology of the initial lymphatics in human skin biopsy specimens under the scanning electron microscope, standardizing the lymphological nomenclature so that it would be acceptable to both anatomists and clinicians.
Abstract: Two new methods now allow the systematic examination of the morphology and micropathology of the initial lymphatics (lymph sinuses and precollectors) in human skin biopsy specimens under the scanning electron microscope. Pertinent studies and findings in the intact skin of anesthetized pigs demonstrate the standard quality of the biopsy preparations. The following are new findings made with these methods: in the skin of the human head, both the lymph sinuses and the precollectors extend as far as the epidermis. The opening apparatus of these vessels consists not only of anchoring filaments and interendothelial openings, but also of endothelial bridges and trabeculae. The interendothelial openings can be present in three types of transformation (Type I–III). As part of these studies, an attempt was made to standardize the lymphological nomenclature so that it would be acceptable to both anatomists and clinicians.
TL;DR: The microscopic and clinical findings suggest that this tumor is a benign lymphadenoid proliferation which is readily treated by X-ray or surgery.
Abstract: Thirteen cases of large cell lymphocytoma are reviewed. All cases are alive or dead free of lymphoma. The histology and immunoreactivity of B cells. Peripheral or small central masses of T cells are present. The microscopic and clinical findings suggest that this tumor is a benign lymphadenoid proliferation which is readily treated by X-ray or surgery.
TL;DR: Investigation of the effects of single and multiple epicutaneous applications of 12(R,S)-HETE and LTB4, both alone and in combination, in normal human skin and in clinically uninvolved skin of patients with psoriasis suggests that both 12 (R, S)-HetE andLTB4 may be important in the production and control of the magnitude of the inflammatory events in Psoriasis.
Abstract: The arachidonate lipoxygenase products 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 5(S),12(R)-dihydroxy-6,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (leukotriene B4, LTB4) are potent leucocyte chemoattractants in vitro and in vivo. Both 12-HETE and LTB4-like material are found in increased amounts in lesional skin in psoriasis. Epicutaneous administration of 12(R,S)-HETE and LTB4 in normal skin evokes neutrophil and mononuclear dermal infiltrates accompanied by collections of neutrophils in the epidermis. Similar appearances result from the application of LTB4 to uninvolved skin in psoriasis. We have now investigated the effects of single and multiple epicutaneous applications of 12(R,S)-HETE and LTB4, both alone and in combination, in normal human skin and in clinically uninvolved skin of patients with psoriasis. As in the case of LTB4, erythematous responses to 12(R,S)-HETE were similar in normal skin and in psoriasis. Similar neutrophil polymorphonuclear responses were evoked by topical application of 50 ng LTB4 and 20 micrograms 12(R,S)-HETE. Application of the combination of 12(R,S)-HETE and LTB4 evoked only a partially additive erythematous response, and no evidence of an additive neutrophilotactic response was detected histologically. Multiple applications resulted in tolerance both clinically and histologically. Cross tolerance to 12(R,S)-HETE and LTB4 occurred in the majority of subjects. These results suggest that both 12(R,S)-HETE and LTB4 may be important in the production and control of the magnitude of the inflammatory events in psoriasis.
TL;DR: Skin sulfhydryl oxidase (SSO) was prepared from cow snout skin and was the thiol substrate most efficiently utilized, with 2-mercaptoethanol, glutathione, and cysteine having less than 23% the relative efficiency of dithiothreitol.
Abstract: Skin sulfhydryl oxidase (SSO) was prepared from cow snout skin. Dithiothreitol was the thiol substrate most efficiently utilized, with 2-mercaptoethanol, glutathione, and cysteine having less than 23% the relative efficiency of dithiothreitol. In the presence of SSO reductively denatured ribonuclease A was reoxidized and reactivated. The degree of reactivation was proportional to the incubation time and dependent on the amount of enzyme added. The oxidation of thiols by SSO required molecular oxygen as an oxidant. The oxygen consumption increased linearly with the increasing concentration of SSO during the increasing formation of disulfide from sulfhydryl groups. The activity of SSO was detected in differing amounts in each of the four layers — stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum with basal cell layer, and dermis — of cow snout skin, while showing the highest specific activity in the stratum granulosum.
TL;DR: Evidence that disseminated cicatricial pemphigoid and acquired epidermolysis bullosa are two distinct nosologic entities is provided, demonstrating that differential diagnosis excludes other nonhereditary bullous disorders in nascent blisters and in perilesional skin.
Abstract: The first case of an infant affected with a rare, disseminated variant of benign cicatricial pemphigoid is described, showing the same ultrastructural features of initial blister formation as an adult patient. These consist in edematous changes within the superficial dermis caused by vesiculation or dissolution of cellular and noncellular connective tissue elements, coalescing into subepidermal blisters. Differential diagnosis excludes other nonhereditary bullous disorders because of the ultrastructure of the dermo-epidermal junction in nascent blisters and in perilesional skin. In spite of evident clinical, histological, and immunohistological similarities as well as controversial and confusing immunological studies, acquired epidermolysis bullosa can be clearly separated from our case by a diagnostic hallmark on the electron-microscopical level, i.e., band-like IgG depositions beneath the basal lamina. This is demonstrated in comparing the two cases of disseminated cicatricial pemphigoid with three patients suffering from acquired epidermolysis bullosa, thus providing evidence that disseminated cicatricial pemphigoid and acquired epidermolysis bullosa are two distinct nosologic entities.
TL;DR: In benign tumors, the staining patterns for both antigens, in general, resembled their distribution in the corresponding normal tissues, however, carcinomas orginating from sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and the pilar apparatus expressed both antIGens in a more irregular and heterogeneous pattern.
Abstract: The expression of MAM-3 and MAM-6 antigens was immunohistochemically investigated on 110 tumors of human skin appendages. Forty-two samples from tumor-adjacent normal skin appendages were also studied. MAM-3 antigens, as detectable by monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) 67D11, 115G3, and 115H10 were present in the inner layer cells but not in the outer layer cells of normal eccrine excretory ducts. Sporadic positivity was also found in cytoplasm of apocrine acini with 115G3, while 67D11 and 115H10 were negative. MAM-6 antigens, as detectable by the MoAbs 115D8, 115F5, 139H2, 140C1, and 126E7 were found in the secretory canaliculi of normal eccrine acini and within the apical lumina at the terminal portion of ducts. Apocrine acinar cells mainly exhibited an apical staining, but a focal supranuclear dot-like staining could also be observed. A foamy reaction pattern for MAM-6 was noted in mature sebocytes. However, none of the antigenic epitopes was expressed in normal squamous epithelium or hair follicles. In benign tumors, the staining patterns for both antigens, in general, resembled their distribution in the corresponding normal tissues. However, carcinomas orginating from sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and the pilar apparatus expressed both antigens in a more irregular and heterogeneous pattern. This might preferably be explained by the loss of those mechanisms controlling the antigen expression in mature, functional tissues. Conclusions from these immunohistochemical studies with regard to the histogenesis mainly of the malignant skin appendage tumors should be drawn with caution.
TL;DR: The data support the idea that arachidonic acid metabolites play an important role in modulating the “releasability” of human basophils and suggest that the basophil of atopic individuals may release their histamine faster than normals.
Abstract: The influence of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism upon histamine release (HR) from human basophils after stimulation with anti-IgE was studied in 23 atopic and 11 normal individuals. HR occurred significantly faster in atopics than in normals; the total amount of HR after a 40 min incubation period was not significantly different between the two groups. Indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) increased the quantity of HR significantly both in atopics and normals without influencing the time course. Addition of exogenous PGE2 decreased HR; here atopics were more affected than normals 5 and 10 min after challenge with anti-IgE. Production of PGE2 after stimulation with anti-IgE was very low in both groups (in the range of 30-50 pg/10(6) cells) and often below detection limit (10-20 pg/ml). Addition of glutathione (GSH), a coenzyme of PGE2-isomerase, increased PGE2 production 2 to 5-fold during stimulation with anti-IgE. These data support the idea that arachidonic acid metabolites play an important role in modulating the "releasability" of human basophils. It is suggested that the basophils of atopic individuals may release their histamine faster than normals - perhaps on the basis of a more slowly acting endogenous feedback mechanism by PGE2. Both phenomena support the idea of an altered "releasability" of basophils from atopics compared to normals.
TL;DR: The hyporesponsiveness in aged mice results both from defective Ia antigen expression on the antigen-presenting Langerhans cells and from deficient T cell function.
Abstract: Contact sensitivity responses were evaluated in young adult (3–5 months) and aged (16–26 months) BALB/c mice which were systemically treated with interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) or saline. Mice older than 16 months of age have deficient numbers of Ia+ Langerhans cells in addition to their well-known impaired T cell functions. They also have an impaired cell-mediated response to contact sensitization with 1-chloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene. This hyporesponsiveness in aged mice can be almost completely reversed by ness in aged mice can be almost completely reversed by IL-2 and is marginally improved by IFN-γ. Exposure of skin from aged mice to interleukin-2 or interferon-γ, both in vivo and invvitro, causes increases in the density of Ia+ Langerhans cells to levels approximating those in young mice. Since IFN-γ causes partial restitution while IL-2 fully restores the contact hypersensitivity in aged animals, we conclude that the hyporesponsiveness in aged mice results both from defective Ia antigen expression on the antigen-presenting Langerhans cells and from deficient T cell function.
TL;DR: Results lend support to the hypothesis proposed by Hashimoto et al. in 1983 that the plasminogen activator-plasmin system could play an essential role in the protease mechanisms of pemphigus acantholysis.
Abstract: Addition of human plasminogen to three different pemphigus plasma samples showed a synergistic effect on acantholysis in the skin organ culture model. Human plasmin itself, without addition of pemphigus plasma, induced typical acantholytic changes in the skin explants, causing different types of acantholysis in a dose- and time-dependent manner: in the presence of 3 CU plasmin per ml culture medium, focal suprabasilar acantholysis of pemphigus vulgaris type could be detected after 72 h incubation, whereas 15 CU/ml caused extended acantholysis of pemphigus foliaceus type in the upper epidermal layers after 24 h, and extended acantholysis of benign chronic pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey disease) type comprising all layers of the epidermis after 48 h incubation. Plasminogen activator levels (Mr 55,000 urokinase type) in tissue extracts of skin explants and in culture media were reduced after 24 and 48 h incubation with pemphigus IgG as compared to control experiments with normal human igG; this probably resulted from urokinase inactivation by reaction with inhibitors. These results lend support to the hypothesis proposed by Hashimoto et al. in 1983 that the plasminogen activator-plasmin system could play an essential role in the protease mechanisms of pemphigus acantholysis.
TL;DR: It is suggested that orally administered retinoid profoundly alters the functional capacity of Ia+ LC, as determined by staining for Ia antigens, during the first few days of treatment and thereafter a continuing decrease that reached a maximum at 2 weeks.
Abstract: The effect of orally administered aromatic retinoid (Ro 10-9359) on murine epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) was studied in vivo and in vitro. Daily administration of retinoid caused a transient increase in LC density, as determined by staining for Ia antigens, during the first few days of treatment and thereafter a continuing decrease that reached a maximum at 2 weeks. In addition, the morphology and location in the epidermis had been altered. When the treatment was continued to 4 weeks, the density of LC returned to normal. The Ia-antigen-presenting function of epidermal cells to an allo-Ia-reactive cloned T cell line was elevated at all stages of retinoid treatment examined. This elevation did not correlate with the density of histochemically stainable Ia+ LC. These findings suggest that orally administered retinoid profoundly alters the functional capacity of Ia+ LC.
TL;DR: In AD no significant difference of the IFN production was found in comparison with the controls with any stimuli tested, and it is suggested that in AD the described susceptibility to viral infections is not due to an altered capability of leukocytes to generate IFN.
Abstract: Enhanced susceptibility to viral infections has been reported repeatedly in atopic dermatitis (AD). A difference in the capacity to produce interferons (IFN) in response to viral antigens may be the cause. In the present study we investigated the in vitro IFN production of leukocytes from AD patients in response to different stimuli. Furthermore, the lymphoproliferative responses were tested. The patients showed moderate to severe diesease activity. Whole blood cultures of 25 AD patients and 21 healthy nonatopic controls were stimulated with the mitogens phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), with tuberculin derivative (PPD) and tetanus antigen as IFN-γinducers, and withC. parvum, poly I-poly C, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) as inducers of IFN-a Lymphoproliferation was assayed in 5-day cultures in parallel. In AD no significant difference of the IFN production was found in comparison with the controls with any stimuli tested. The lymphoproliferative response of leukocytes of patients with AD was significantly decrased upon stimulation with PHA, Con A, PWM, and PPD. We suggest that in AD the described susceptibility to viral infections is not due to an altered capability of leukocytes to generate IFN.
TL;DR: A solitary case of a patient, male aged 62, who developed disseminated verrucous nodules on the buttocks and the lower extremities 3 years before diagnosis, which indicates a new clinical variant of porokeratosis Mibelli.
Abstract: Clinical, histopathological, and ultrastructural features of a new clinical variant of porokeratosis Mibelli (PM) are presented We report a solitary case of a patient, male aged 62, who developed disseminated verrucous nodules on the buttocks and the lower extremities 3 years before diagnosis Histopathologically, all specific signs of the keratinization disorder of PM were demonstrable; in addition, however, multiple cornoid lamellae were found at the margin as well as in the center of the lesions, which only in part showed relationships to the epidermal appendages In the papillary dermis, numerous ectatic capillaries were conspicuous Using electron microscopy the same specific abnormalities of the keratinization process as known from classical cases of PM could be demonstrated: autophagocytic cells that revealed perinuclear edematization and vacuolization, accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and heterolysosomes, and dyskeratotic corps ronds-like cells that become transformed to fibrillar or Civatte bodies Problems of the classification, differential diagnosis, and pathomorphogenesis are discussed