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Cytokeratins in primary cutaneous amyloidosis
S C Huilgol1, N Ramnarain, P Carrington
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|June 5, 1998
Summary
Amyloid deposits in macular and lichen amyloidosis contain keratin proteins, suggesting they originate from keratin intermediate filaments. This finding aids in diagnosing these skin conditions using specific antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Biochemistry
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Primary cutaneous amyloidosis encompasses macular amyloidosis and lichen amyloidosus.
- The composition of amyloid deposits in these conditions is not fully understood.
- Keratins are intermediate filament proteins crucial for epithelial structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and types of keratins within amyloid deposits in primary cutaneous amyloidosis.
- To determine if amyloid in different forms of cutaneous amyloidosis contains keratin epitopes.
- To evaluate the potential diagnostic utility of antikeratin antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of formalin-fixed and snap-frozen tissue samples from patients with macular amyloidosis, lichen amyloidosus, and nodular primary cutaneous amyloidosis.
- Utilized a panel of monospecific and polyspecific antikeratin antibodies targeting various keratin types (K1, K5, K6, K7, K8, K10, K14, K16, K17, K18, K19).
- Examined reactivity of amyloid deposits with specific antibodies like LP34, MNF 116, RCK 102, LL001, LP1K, and LP2K.
Main Results:
- Amyloid deposits in frozen sections of macular amyloidosis and lichen amyloidosus consistently reacted with antibodies recognizing keratins K5, K6, K8, and K18.
- Reactions with antibodies for K14, K7, K17, and K19 were observed in a subset of cases.
- In formalin-fixed sections, amyloid deposits showed reactivity with LP34, MNF 116, LL020, and LP2K.
- No antikeratin antibody reactivity was detected in amyloid deposits of nodular primary cutaneous amyloidosis.
- Antibodies LP34, MNF 116, and RCK 102, which label keratin K5, showed diagnostic potential for macular and papular amyloidosis in frozen sections.
Conclusions:
- Amyloid deposits in macular and lichen amyloidosus contain keratin epitopes, strongly suggesting their derivation from keratin intermediate filaments.
- Multiple types of keratins appear to be involved in the formation of amyloid.
- Specific antikeratin antibodies, particularly those targeting keratin K5, may serve as valuable diagnostic tools for certain types of cutaneous amyloidosis.