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Pathogenesis of abnormal keratinization in ichthyosiform cetrimide dermatitis: an ultrastructural study
1Department of Dermatology, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Cetrimide, a disinfectant, causes abnormal skin keratinization by damaging lamellar bodies in skin cells. This dysfunction is key to irritant contact dermatitis from quaternary ammonium compounds.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Ichthyosiform contact dermatitis has been linked to antiseptic solutions containing cetrimide and chlorhexidine.
- Cetrimide, a quaternary ammonium compound, is a known irritant widely used in disinfectants and detergents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of abnormal keratinization induced by cetrimide.
- To elucidate the role of lamellar bodies in cetrimide-induced dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was performed on skin biopsies from patients with dermatitis.
- Experimental induction of skin reactions in rabbits using Savlon, cetrimide, and chlorhexidine followed by electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Patient samples showed hyperkeratosis, vesiculation of lamellar bodies, premature secretion, and retained desmosomes.
- Rabbit skin exposed to cetrimide exhibited similar lamellar body changes, while chlorhexidine did not cause these effects.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal keratinization in cetrimide-induced dermatitis is partly due to lamellar body dysfunction.
- Cetrimide directly affects lamellar body lipids and enzymes, leading to vesiculation and contributing to irritant contact dermatitis pathogenesis.
