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Published on: December 15, 2011
Immunohistological and immunoelectron microscopic identification of TNF alpha in normal human and murine epidermis
G Kolde1, K Schulze-Osthoff, H Meyer
1Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Federal Republic of Germany.
Insights
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) is present in human and murine epidermis, primarily in keratinocytes and sebaceous glands. This cytokine likely plays a role in maintaining normal skin structure and function.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) is a key cytokine involved in inflammation and immunity.
- Its role in normal skin homeostasis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence, distribution, and cellular localization of TNF alpha in normal human and murine epidermis.
- To determine the cell types responsible for TNF alpha production in the skin.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunoelectron microscopy
- Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies
Main Results:
- TNF alpha was detected in the intercellular plasma membrane and cytoplasm of epidermal keratinocytes.
- Significant amounts of TNF alpha were found in sebaceous glands.
- Langerhans cells, melanocytes, and Merkel cells did not show TNF alpha labelling.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal keratinocytes and sebocytes produce and release TNF alpha.
- Keratinocyte-derived TNF alpha is potentially important for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of normal epidermis.
Abstract:
The presence, distribution and cellular localization of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) were investigated in normal human and murine epidermis using immunohistological and immunoelectron microscopic methods with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The immunostaining revealed an intercellular plasma membrane and cytoplasmic labelling of the epidermal keratinocytes, but no labelling of Langerhans cells, melanocytes and Merkel cells. Large amounts of TNF alpha were regularly found in the sebaceous glands. These findings demonstrate that epidermal keratinocytes and especially sebocytes produce and release TNF alpha and that this keratinocyte-derived cytokine may be important for the structural and functional homeostasis of normal epidermis.
