Dermal dendrocytes and photochemotherapy.
We studied the fate of dermal dendrocytes in patients treated with psoralens and ultraviolet light by combining immunohistochemistry and computerized image analysis. Factor-XIIIa-positive dermal dendrocytes were found to be altered in these patients. When compared with controls, dermal dendrocytes were often increased in number and had an uneven size and tissue distribution. Their cytoplasm was occasionally fragmented. These changes were more pronounced when early photosclerosis was present. The alterations described probably reflect vascular changes, and may be responsible for immunomodulating actions and disorder of the connective tissue structure induced by ultraviolet light.
Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.
G E
GE
Piérard
A
A
Nikkels
J
J
Arrese Estrada
T
T
Ben Mosbah
C
C
Piérard-Franchimont
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011503:Transglutaminases / Q000378:metabolism
D011503:Transglutaminases