[Immunohistologic alterations of epidermal cytokeratins following cryotherapy]

Based on investigations on common warts, we studied the effect of cryotherapy on the immunohistological detection of intermediate filaments (cytokeratin, vimentin/desmin, tubulin) and plasminogen activators of the urokinase type (uPA). The staining patterns of 3 anticytokeratins were markedly changed after cryotherapy. Two broad-spectrum antibodies showed decreased or no binding to tissue sections. In addition, we found a paradoxical reactivity of lower epidermal cells with a monoclonal antibody against cytokeratin 19. Our results are discussed with special reference to autoimmunity after cryotherapy.