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Nerve growth factor in normal and psoriatic skin equivalent models
N V Konstantinova1, N A Lemak, M Duvic
1Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, USA.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|December 22, 1998
Summary
This study investigated nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in a skin model, revealing its role in skin development and nerve migration. NGF is crucial for basal membrane zone formation and epidermal development during wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The skin equivalent model is a valuable tool for studying skin conditions like psoriasis and wound healing.
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) plays a significant role in neuronal development and tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern and temporal dynamics of NGF in a skin equivalent model.
- To understand the potential role of NGF in skin development, particularly the basal membrane zone and epidermis.
Main Methods:
- Skin equivalents were created using neonatal foreskin keratinocytes and fibroblasts from psoriatic and normal skin.
- Immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal NGF-b antibody was employed to visualize NGF protein staining over two weeks.
- The wound healing phenotype was assessed in the skin equivalents over a 7-14 day period.
Main Results:
- Dark staining for NGF was observed beneath the basal membrane zone as keratinocytes invaginated into the dermis.
- This staining pattern emerged around 7 days of growth, coinciding with epidermal development.
- NGF expression appears linked to the development of the basal membrane zone and epidermis.
Conclusions:
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is implicated in the development of the basal membrane zone and epidermis within the skin equivalent model.
- NGF may influence nerve migration through the basal membrane zone into newly regenerated skin.
- These findings highlight NGF's potential role in skin regeneration and development.