Vulvar lichen sclerosus. Immunohistologic evaluation before and after therapy.
In 20 women with vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) we analyzed the immunohistologic features of the dermal lymphoid infiltrate and the number of epidermal CD1a+ cells (Langerhans cells). Activated (HLA-Dr+) T cells, associated with CD1a+ accessory cells, were found in the dermis in all cases. The number of CD1a+ epidermal cells was increased, and the cells expressed strong HLA-DR+ staining. These findings suggest activation of the skin immune system in vulvar LS lesions. Conventional 2% testosterone therapy failed to modify the immunohistologic features. Clobetasol, 0.05%, application seemed more effective in down-regulating the skin's immune system activation profile.
Carli
P
P
First Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Florence, Italy.
Bracco
G
G
Taddei
G
G
Sonni
L
L
De Marco
A
A
Maestrini
G
G
Cattaneo
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D017512:Lichenoid Eruptions / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D013739:Testosterone; D002990:Clobetasol