Differing cell surface distribution of human leukocyte antigen-DR molecules on epidermal Langerhans cells and eccrine duct cells

Individual variation in 3-methylbutanal: a putative link between human leukocyte antigen and skin microflora

The human derma emits volatile compounds whose interaction with a receiver's olfactory sensory system may affect individual recognition and mating preferences. Studies suggest that both genes and environmental factors determine characteristic odor of an individual. We used solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify 3-methylbutanal in human axillary odor; we showed that the abundance of this volatile compound varies significantly among individuals and demonstrated that its formation in vitro may be influenced by interaction between human leukocyte antigen peptide and dermal microflora.

Malignant melanoma cells in the eccrine apparatus

A case of malignant melanoma arising on the sole of a 75-year-old Japanese man is presented. Histopathologically, in addition to the intraepidermal and intradermal malignant melanoma cells reaching the upper part of the dermis, cells were also found in the deep part of the ductal epithelium of the eccrine apparatus. Melanoma cells, and melanocytic nevus cells as well, are rarely found within the epithelial structure of sweat glands, yet they are frequently found in that of hair follicles. In order to avoid a residue of melanoma cells in the deep part of the eccrine apparatus, a fairly deep excision should be performed even for this melanoma.

Increased number of IgE positive Langerhans cells in the conjunctiva of patients with atopic dermatitis

AIM

To determine the role of Langerhans cells (LCs) found to bear IgE in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) by evaluating the surface distribution of these cells in the conjunctival epithelium and epidermis of skin lesions in patients with AD.

METHODS

The double labelling method was used to evaluate IgE positive cells that were positive for anti-CD1a or anti-CD23 antibody in an epithelial sheet of the conjunctival limbus. Specimens of conjunctiva were obtained from 12 men, six of whom had AD and ocular complications. Five patients without atopic disease served as controls, plus one additional patient with asthma but no AD. A similar study was conducted using epidermal sheets obtained from two patients with AD and from one without AD.

RESULTS

The number of CD1a+ cells present in the conjunctival epithelium of the patients with AD significantly exceeded that of the patients without AD. Most CD1a+ cells in the conjunctival epithelium and epidermis from the patients with AD bore IgE on their surfaces. Few such cells from patients without AD bore IgE. No CD23+ cells were found in the patients with or without AD.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of an increased number of LCs bearing IgE on their surfaces in the conjunctival epithelium of patients with AD suggests that these cells may be involved in eliciting the hypersensitivity reaction and participate in ocular inflammation.

Differential cell surface distribution of adhesion molecules demonstrated by immuno-scanning electron microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy with immuno-gold labeling revealed that epidermal keratinocytes expressed ICAM-1 and HLA-DR molecules on their surfaces in patterns that differed in mycosis fungoides (MF) and lichenoid reaction (LR). ICAM-1 molecules, visualized as deposits of gold particles, were present as clusters adjacent to the junctions interconnecting the keratinocytes of MF lesions. LFA-1 molecules were seen as granules on the surfaces of all infiltrates, most of which also expressed ICAM-1. HLA-DR molecules were seen continuously along the borders of the individual keratinocytes. In LR, ICAM-1 and HLA-DR were expressed only sparsely on the undersurface of the epidermis, whereas the infiltrates expressed LFA-1 molecules on their surfaces. These findings may explain the differing histological features of MF and LR: ICAM-1 molecules present on the intercellular junctions of MF epidermis lead the LFA-1-bearing cells to migrate into the interspaces of the keratinocytes, thus producing "epidermotropism". These cells aggregate by means of co-expressed ICAM-1 to thus produce the appearance of a "microabscess". In LR, on the other hand, the minimal expression of ICAM-1 on the epidermal undersurface leaves most infiltrates within the dermis, thus producing a "band-like infiltrate" beneath the epidermis.

Deposition of basic fibroblast growth factor on surface of epidermal melanocytes suggesting the stromal control of epidermal pigmentation

Scanning electron microscopy with immunogold labeling was used to demonstrate the in vivo distribution of molecules of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) that were expressed and/or present on the surface of the cells of the normal epidermis and dermal connective tissue of humans. We found that molecules of bFGF, seen as deposits of gold particles, were present densely on the surfaces of the melanocytes but not the epidermal keratinocytes. In connective tissue, these molecules were present exclusively on the surfaces of the fibroblasts, macrophages, vascular endothelial cells, and the basement membrane surrounding the endothelial tube. The selective deposition of bFGF molecules on the melanocytes suggests that the dermal connective tissue may be involved in controlling the proliferation of melanocytes by means of bFGF molecules in vivo, since these melanocytes require bFGF to proliferate in vitro. The latter is synthesized and stored exclusively in the connective tissue.

Dispersed cell culture of human sweat duct cells under serum-free conditions

Human eccrine gland duct cells were successfully cultured using a serum-free medium, K-GM medium. Eccrine sweat ducts were isolated from dispase treated skin specimens from palms or soles. After treatment of the isolated ducts with trypsin and EDTA, dispersed cells were cultured in K-GM medium. In primary cultures, small colonies were seen 3 to 4 days after inoculation. Then the cells rapidly proliferated and formed large colonies with a paving stone-like cell arrangement. During the culture, small dome shaped areas were sometimes formed in the centers of colonies. Cultures multiplied for a maximum of 7 passages. The plating efficiencies of the 1st to 6th passage cells were about 20% to 30%. Immunocytochemically, cultured cells were positively stained with anti-carcinoembryonic antigens, K8.37 and K8.13, but not with anti-S100 protein, anti-HLA-DR, 34 beta B4, or PKK3. An electron micrograph of the cultured cells showed a multilayer of flattened cells linked by desmosomes. These results indicate that the cultured cells possessed the staining properties compatible with those of the ductal portion of eccrine sweat glands. No contamination by other mesenchymal cells, such as fibroblasts, was seen during the culture.

Differential localization of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR expression on epidermal basal surface in mycosis fungoides and lichenoid reaction

Scanning electron microscopy with immunogold labeling revealed that epidermal keratinocytes expressed ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and HLA-DR molecules on their surfaces in patterns that differed in mycosis fungoides (MF) and lichenoid reaction (LR). ICAM-1 molecules, visualized as deposits of gold particle, were visualized as clusters adjacent to the junctions interconnecting the keratinocytes of MF lesions. LFA-1 (leukocyte function-associated antigen-1) molecules were seen as granules on the surfaces of all infiltrates, most of which also expressed ICAM-1. HLA-DR molecules were seen continuously along the borders of the individual keratinocytes, thus producing a cobblestone appearance on the epidermal undersurface. In contrast, ICAM-1 and HLA-DR were found only sparsely on the undersurface of the epidermis from LR. These findings may help to explain the differing histological features of MF and LR: ICAM-1 molecules present on the intercellular junctions of MF epidermis lead the LFA-1-bearing cells to migrate into the interspaces, thus producing epidermotropism. These cells aggregate by means of co-expressed ICAM-1 to thus produce Pautrier's microabscess. In LR, the minimal expression of ICAm-1 on the epidermal undersurface leaves most infiltrates within the dermis, thus producing a band-like infiltrate.