ISSN:
1365-2133
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background Porokeratosis is a dyskeratotic disorder of the skin characterized by cornoid lamella with parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis and loss of granular layers. The pathogenesis of porokeratosis and the mechanism(s) of its abnormal keratinization are still unknown. Objective To elucidate the mechanism(s) of abnormal keratinization that leads to the formation of cornoid lamellae in porokeratosis. Methods Apoptosis of keratinocytes was assessed in the skin of seven patients by an in situ apoptosis assay based on the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labelling (TUNEL) reaction. Patterns of loricrin and involucrin expression were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results TUNEL-positive keratinocytes were observed in the epidermis underlying the cornoid lamella in all cases examined. Furthermore, loricrin expression was interrupted there, in contrast to involucrin, which was expressed diffusely in the lesional epidermis. Conclusions These results suggest that an abnormal early keratinocyte apoptosis accompanied by dysregulation of terminal differentiation of those cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of porokeratosis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04853.x
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