Immunohistochemical study of human xanthoma.
Specimens of human tuberous xanthomas obtained from two hyper-beta-lipoproteinemic patients were prepared with HE and Sudan III stain and by direct immunofluorescence with fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled antihuman beta-lipoprotein rabbit serum. In some histiocytes and foam cells in early stages, lipids were stained in granular patterns and specific fluorescence was observed. In some foam cell nests, specific fluorescence was weak or absent, and orange-colored lipid autofluorescence was present. The foam cells in such nests were probably late foam cells and corresponded to the large cytoplasmic foam cells stained densely and amorphously for lipids. It was concluded that at early stages of xanthoma formation, serum lipoproteins were incorporated into dermal histiocytes and early foam cells. The apoproteins of the incorporated lipoproteins were probably degraded and lipid residues accumulated in the cells. Specimens of tuberous xanthoma covered by plane xanthoma showed lipids and bright specific fluorescence at the basement membrane zone. A faint fluorescence was observed in the upper dermis and even in parts of the epidermal intercellular spaces.
Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Medical School, Shikata, Okayama 700, Japan.
H
H
Kodama
T
T
Masuda
D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D014973:Xanthomatosis / Q000473:pathology*