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Role of macrophages in intraepidermic vesiculation in pemphigus vulgaris. Electron-microscopic observations
Dermatologica
|January 1, 1979
Abstract:
The authors made an electron-microscopic observation of intraepidermic vesiculation in pemphigus vulgaris at its early stage, and found that numerous macrophages were invading the cleft located immediately superior to the basal cell layer. They suggest that the formation of cleft, as a preceding stage to the eventual development into intraepidermic vesiculation, is intimately related to the squeezing-in of invasive macrophages among keratinocytes.
Insights
Early pemphigus vulgaris involves macrophages invading the epidermis, forming clefts. This macrophage infiltration precedes the development of intraepidermic blisters in this autoimmune skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes.
- The pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris involves intraepidermal blistering.
- Early microscopic changes are crucial for understanding disease initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early ultrastructural changes in pemphigus vulgaris.
- To identify the cellular players involved in the initial stages of blister formation.
- To elucidate the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used for ultrastructural observation.
- The study focused on intraepidermal vesiculation in early-stage pemphigus vulgaris.
- Analysis of cellular infiltration within epidermal clefts.
Main Results:
- Numerous macrophages were observed invading the intraepidermal cleft.
- These clefts were located superior to the basal cell layer.
- Macrophage invasion was identified as an early event preceding vesiculation.
Conclusions:
- The formation of intraepidermal clefts in pemphigus vulgaris is closely linked to macrophage infiltration.
- Macrophage squeezing among keratinocytes is suggested as a mechanism for cleft formation.
- Understanding these early events may offer new therapeutic targets for pemphigus vulgaris.