Yukiko Nitta

Identification of programmed cell death in normal human skin tissues by using specific labelling of fragmented DNA

Programmed cell death (PCD) in normal human skin tissues was studied by using in situ specific labelling of fragmented DNA. This labelling method clearly stained the nuclei of Henles layer in the bulb of the anagen hair follicle in serial sections, and the nuclei of the inner root sheath cuticle cells and Huxleys layer cells showed positive staining in the upper part of the hair follicles. This staining pattern was consistent with the sequence of keratinization in the three layers. The nuclei of differentiated cells located at the centre of the sebaceous glands, and those of the granular keratinocyte layer, were also stained. These findings suggest that PCD might play a key role in the terminal differentiation of the epidermis and epidermal appendages.

Pitted keratolysis: clinical manifestations in 53 cases

Pitted keratolysis (PK) has been reported to be more common among bare‐footed people living in tropical regions. It is now known that the disease is not limited to the tropics but has a world‐wide distribution. However, no study has previously been performed analysing the clinical manifestations of the disease in temperate countries. A survey of 53 patients revealed several distinctive clinical features. Hyperhidrosis is the most frequently observed symptom of this condition. Malodour and sliminess of the skin are also distinctive features, evident in 88.7% and 69.8% of the cases, respectively. The most common sites of onset of PK are the pressure‐bearing areas, such as the ventral aspect of the toe, the ball of the foot and the heel. The next most common site is a friction area, the interface of the toes. Lesions are rarely seen on the non‐pressure‐bearing locations. Some of the primary lesions originate as a small defect along the plantar furrow, which gradually grows into the characteristic crateriform pit. Several clinical features are helpful in diagnosing PK.

Lichen planus pemphigoides: Identification of 180 kd hemidesmosome antigen

We describe a man with lichen planus pemphigoides. Direct immunofluorescence studies of peribullous skin showed linear deposition of IgG and C3 in the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence studies disclosed circulating anti-basement membrane zone antibodies. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated binding of antibodies to the hemidesmosomes and lamina lucida. The patients serum defined only the minor bullous pemphigoid antigen with a molecular weight of 180 kd. These findings suggest the coexistence of lichen planus and bullous pemphigoid in lichen planus pemphigoides.

Acrosyringeal adenomatosis (eccrine syringofibroadenoma of Mascaro) : a case report and review of the literature

The case of a 63-year-old man with acrosyringeal adenomatosis (eccrine syringofibroadenoma of Mascaro) is reported. Asymptomatic papular lesions had appeared on the dorsum of both of his feet 30 years earlier, then extended gradually and symmetrically to his hands, arms, legs, trunk, and auriculae. Although his hair, teeth, and nails were normal, he had glaucoma, chronic sinusitis, chronic otitis media, chronic pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal polyposis. No similar symptoms were found in the family history. Histopathologically, proliferations of pale epithelial cells extended from acrosyringia into the dermis, forming interconnected epithelial cords, within some of which were ductal structures. A syringoma and syringoma-like structures were closely associated with these lesions. Enzyme-histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies supported the concept that this case represents a benign tumor derived from the acrosyringium, which is different from eccrine poroma. Acrosyringeal adenomatosis seems to be a more appropriate name for such a lesion than does eccrine syringofibroadenoma (Mascaro).

Lupus erythematosus profundus associated with neonatal lupus erythematosus

A female infant with neonatal lupus erythematosus had scanty discoid lesions and concurrent lupus erythemaosus profundus on the face. Depression of lupus erythematosus profundus lesions was still evident at 4 years of age.

Case of malignant lymphoma associated with primary systemic plasmacytosis with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia

Systemic plasmacytosis (SP), which has a histologic appearance similar to that of multicentric Castlemans disease (MCD), is also known as benign plasma cell proliferation with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, cutaneous plasmacytosis, and/or generalized plasmacytic lymphadenopathy. The prognosis of SP reportedly has been good. A 59-year-old Japanese man was treated for multiple cutaneous lesions of his trunk as well as polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. A skin biopsy showed infiltration of lymphocytes and polyclonal plasma cells in the dermis. The patient developed enlarged superficial lymph nodes 5 years later, and T-cell lymphoma, diffuse mixed type, was diagnosed. At that time, his cutaneous plasmacytosis remained but the polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia had resolved. Ours is the first reported case of SP to be complicated by the development of T-cell lymphoma.

EFFECT OF THE HYDROXYL RADICAL ON FIBROBLAST-MEDIATED COLLAGEN REMODELLING IN VITRO

1. It has been reported that free radicals prevent wound healing. However, the mechanism of this effect is not yet clear. We attempted to clarify the influence of hydroxyl radicals on wound healing in vitro.

Pemphigoid nodularis: a case with 230 kDa hemidesmosomes antigen associated with bullous pemphigoid antigen.

We report a 73‐year‐old woman with typical clinical, histological and immunofluorescence features of pemphigoid nodularis. Direct immunofluorescence studies of prurigo nodularis‐like lesions and peribullous skin showed the linear deposition of IgG and C3 at the basement membrane zone. Circulating IgG against the basement membrane was also detected by indirect immunofluorescence. The serum from the patient was shown to contain the autoantibody against 230 kDa hemidesmosomal antigen associated with bullous pemphigoid antigen.

Malignant Spitz Nevus in a 2-Year Old Japanese Child

Smith et al. (1989) have reported a variant of Spitzs nevus with histological atypical features. Despite local lymph node metastases, further metastases were not observed. They proposed the name “malignant Spitz nevus” for this variant.

Dysplastic nevus syndrome among Japanese : a case study and review of the Japanese literature

Three Japanese families with dysplastic nevus syndrome (DNS) are reported. Each family had at least two members with multiple dysplastic nevi (DN). Family members with DN or multiple moles had paler skin than average Japanese, usually sunburned, and tanned less than average, whereas members with darker skin almost never had DN. Each of two families had one cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) patient associated with multiple DN. Both CMMs were on the leg. In Japanese DNS. skin color and sun sensitivity seem to be closely related to DN. The locations of CMMs associated with DNS were unique: No CMMs were found on acral areas where they most frequently occur in Japanese.