title: Reticular erythematous mucinosis: light and electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and histochemical findings.
abstract: Five patients with reticular erythematous mucinosis were studied by skin biopsy and phototesting. Light microscopy showed a dermal mononuclear cell infiltrate (composed largely of lymphocytes), separation of collagen bundles and fragmentation of elastic fibres. Histochemical stains showed increased dermal mucin with a profile consistent with hyaluronic acid. In one case, the ultrastructural distribution of mucin was demonstrated using colloidal iron staining, electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. In two cases, virus-like tubular aggregates were identified in the cytoplasm of dermal endothelial cells and pericytes. Immunofluorescent staining for immunoglobulins, fibrin and complement was negative.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004890:Erythema / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D009077:Mucins / Q000032:analysis*; D012867:Skin / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D009077:Mucins