Absence of Merkel cells in lesional skin of vitiligo [corrected].
BACKGROUND
In vitiligo, other than loss of melanocytes and melanin pigment in the lesional skin, keratinocytes are also involved. Human fetal Merkel cells are now generally considered to be derived from the epidermis. To date, no observations on Merkel cells in lesional skin of active vitiligo have been reported.


METHODS
Merkel cells were identified by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using the monoclonal antibody TROMA 1.


RESULTS
No TROMA 1-positive cells were observed in the vitiliginous skin lesions in any of the specimens examined, whereas normal numbers of these cells were seen in the adjacent pigmented skin.


CONCLUSIONS
This finding suggests that the processes that lead to damage of keratinocytes in vitiligo also involve other keratin-expressing cells such as the Merkel cells.
Bose
S K
SK
Dermatology Laboratory, Hospital Pasteur, Nice, France.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D007633:Keratins / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007633:Keratins