[Cytoid bodies in human skin (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Histology
• Cell Biology

Context:

• Cytoid bodies are cell-sized structures in human skin, appearing in normal and pathological states.
• Distinguishing between different cytoid bodies is crucial for diagnostic and interpretive purposes in skin histology.
• Previous histological methods often fail to differentiate these heterogeneous structures.

Purpose:

• To characterize distinct groups of cytoid bodies using advanced histological, histochemical, immunological, and electron microscopic techniques.
• To elucidate the origin, morphogenesis, and nature of various cytoid bodies.
• To determine the diagnostic and physiological significance of cytoid bodies in skin.

Summary:

• Elastic globes, found in normal skin, autofluoresce and stain with elastin, aiding forensic identification.
• Russel bodies, originating from plasma cells, contain variable immunoglobulins and are important in skin infiltrates.
• Civatte bodies, likely from keratinocytes, exhibit fibrillar ultrastructure and may indicate apoptosis.
• Amyloid deposits are identified by Congo red birefringence and electron microscopy, relevant in amyloidosis.
• Fibrin cytoid bodies can be specifically detected in skin diseases via immunofluorescence.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive classification of cytoid bodies based on detailed morphological and compositional analysis.
• Enhances diagnostic accuracy in dermatology by differentiating key structures.
• Offers insights into forensic applications, such as determining the origin of skin samples.
• Highlights the role of cytoid bodies in understanding disease mechanisms, including apoptosis and immunoglobulin production.