title: Vulvar lichen sclerosus. Immunohistologic evaluation before and after therapy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Florence, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bracco
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Taddei
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sonni
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Marco
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maestrini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cattaneo
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D013739:Testosterone; D002990:Clobetasol