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Morphologic observations on the dermal nerves in vitiligo: an ultrastructural study
M S Al'Abadie1, M A Warren, S S Bleehen
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, U.K.
International Journal of Dermatology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Vitiligo, a skin disorder, shows nerve damage and regeneration in dermal nerves. These findings support the neuronal hypothesis for vitiligo pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Background:
- Vitiligo is a prevalent idiopathic skin disorder with unknown etiology.
- The neuronal hypothesis suggests a role for neuronal factors in vitiligo pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential neuronal involvement in vitiligo pathogenesis.
- To examine ultrastructural changes in dermal nerves of vitiligo lesions.
Main Methods:
- Skin biopsies from vitiligo patients (lesional, marginal, and nonlesional skin) and controls.
- Electron microscopy examination of superficial dermal nerve fibers.
Main Results:
- Consistent subtle ultrastructural changes, including degeneration and regeneration, observed in dermal nerves of vitiligo lesions.
- Increased basement membrane thickness of Schwann cells noted in most vitiligo dermal nerves compared to controls.
- Minor axonal damage with predominant signs of regeneration found in abnormal dermal nerves.
Conclusions:
- Vitiligo involves both axonal degeneration and nerve regeneration, with regeneration possibly being a response to damage.
- Findings support the hypothesis of a significant neuronal component in vitiligo.