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Intranuclear inclusions containing melanosomes observed after PUVA therapy: a study of five psoriatic patients
Abstract:
Skin biopsies were obtained before and after PUVA therapy from five psoriatic patients and epidermal melanocytes surveyed for the presence of intranuclear melanosome-like bodies and nuclear bodies. Intranuclear melanosome-like bodies were observed after PUVA therapy whereas none were found before therapy. Nuclear bodies were found to increase in frequency after PUVA therapy. Remnants of a nuclear envelope membrane were not found around the intranuclear melanosome-like bodies. Nor were remnants of a nuclear envelope membrane found in or around the nuclear bodies. The results are discussed in view of the possible sites of origin of intranuclear melanosome-like bodies and nuclear bodies.
Insights
Psoriatic patients undergoing PUVA therapy showed new intranuclear melanosome-like bodies and increased nuclear bodies in epidermal melanocytes. These findings offer insights into the cellular origins of these structures post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Photobiology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- PUVA therapy (psoralen plus UVA radiation) is a common treatment for psoriasis.
- The cellular effects of PUVA therapy on epidermal melanocytes are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of intranuclear melanosome-like bodies and nuclear bodies in epidermal melanocytes of psoriatic patients before and after PUVA therapy.
- To explore the potential origin of these intranuclear structures.
Main Methods:
- Skin biopsies were collected from five psoriatic patients before and after PUVA treatment.
- Epidermal melanocytes were examined for intranuclear melanosome-like bodies and nuclear bodies using microscopy.
Main Results:
- Intranuclear melanosome-like bodies were observed exclusively after PUVA therapy.
- The frequency of nuclear bodies significantly increased following PUVA treatment.
- No remnants of nuclear envelope membranes were found associated with either type of intranuclear body.
Conclusions:
- PUVA therapy induces the formation of intranuclear melanosome-like bodies in epidermal melanocytes.
- The study suggests a potential intracellular origin for these structures, distinct from typical melanosome formation pathways.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise biogenesis and function of these PUVA-induced intranuclear bodies.