Differential cell surface distribution of adhesion molecules demonstrated by immuno-scanning electron microscopy.
Scanning electron microscopy with immuno-gold labeling revealed that epidermal keratinocytes expressed ICAM-1 and HLA-DR molecules on their surfaces in patterns that differed in mycosis fungoides (MF) and lichenoid reaction (LR). ICAM-1 molecules, visualized as deposits of gold particles, were present as clusters adjacent to the junctions interconnecting the keratinocytes of MF lesions. LFA-1 molecules were seen as granules on the surfaces of all infiltrates, most of which also expressed ICAM-1. HLA-DR molecules were seen continuously along the borders of the individual keratinocytes. In LR, ICAM-1 and HLA-DR were expressed only sparsely on the undersurface of the epidermis, whereas the infiltrates expressed LFA-1 molecules on their surfaces. These findings may explain the differing histological features of MF and LR: ICAM-1 molecules present on the intercellular junctions of MF epidermis lead the LFA-1-bearing cells to migrate into the interspaces of the keratinocytes, thus producing "epidermotropism". These cells aggregate by means of co-expressed ICAM-1 to thus produce the appearance of a "microabscess". In LR, on the other hand, the minimal expression of ICAM-1 on the epidermal undersurface leaves most infiltrates within the dermis, thus producing a "band-like infiltrate" beneath the epidermis.
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Imayama
D000368:Aged; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1