TNFalpha and IL-6 are mediators in the blistering process of pemphigus.
BACKGROUND
Pemphigus is an autoimmune disease characterized by intraepidermal blisters induced by pemphigus IgG. In addition to autoantibodies, molecular mechanisms involved in acantholysis remain largely unknown. For this reason, we address a possible role of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFalpha in pemphigus lesions.


METHODS
Sixteen biopsies from patients with different types of pemphigus were studied by in situ hybridization using DNA fluorescent probes for IL-6 and TNFalpha mRNA.


RESULTS
Fifty-six percent of lesional biopsies exhibited cytokine gene expression, which was poorly expressed in noninvolved skin. Deposits of TNFalpha and IL-6 were products of in situ transcription at the epidermal level.


CONCLUSIONS
Inflammatory cytokine expression around the blister could play a mediator role in pemphigus lesions by increasing epithelial damage.
López-Robles
E
E
Department of Immunology, CBE, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Guadalupe, Zac. México.
Avalos-Díaz
E
E
Vega-Memije
E
E
Hojyo-Tomoka
T
T
Villalobos
R
R
Fraire
S
S
Domíguez-Soto
L
L
Herrera-Esparza
R
R
D001706:Biopsy; D001768:Blister / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000473:pathology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D015850:Interleukin-6; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha