Expression of alpha-defensin-1 in chronic hyperplastic candidosis.
BACKGROUND
Chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) represents a chronic opportunistic candida infection. We clarified the presence, localization and participation of alpha-defensin-1 in host response against chronic candidal stimulus.


METHODS
Immunohistochemically stained CHC biopsies (n = 10) were compared to candida negative idiopathic leukoplakia (n = 10).


RESULTS
In CHC alpha-defensin-1 was detected in neutrophils intravascularly, in lamina propria and in the epithelium, in part in intraepithelial microabscesses. Staining intensity of individual neutrophils varied and was associated with peri- and extracellular staining, in particular in the superficial epithelial cell layers. In controls only very few homogeneously staining neutrophils were detected intravascularly without any extracellular alpha-defensin-1 deposition.


CONCLUSIONS
Neutrophils form microabscesses and respond to Candida by activation and release of alpha-defensin-1 to peri- and extracellular matrix. This together with the epithelial cell migration from the basal layer to epithelial surface leads to alpha-defensin-1 rich protective shield in the most superficial epithelial cell layers.
Ali
Ahmed
A
Department of Anatomy/Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Niissalo
Sirkku
S
Hietanen
Jarkko
J
Laine
Mikael
M
Rautemaa
Riina
R
Konttinen
Yrjö
Y
D000038:Abscess / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000473:pathology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007972:Leukoplakia, Oral / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018375:Neutrophil Activation / Q000502:physiology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000473:pathology; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000473:pathology; D023084:alpha-Defensins / Q000032:analysis*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D023084:alpha-Defensins; C406413:human neutrophil peptide 1