ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neurofibroma, the hallmark of neurofibromatosis, is a cutaneous or subcutaneous lesion, with a variable clinical presentation. Histologically, neurofibroma consists of proliferation of nerve derived cellular elements, together with an abundant, collagenous extracellular matrix. Specifically, neurofibroma has been shown to contain 30-50% collagen in its matrix. Objective 5. METHODS: We examined the expression of extracellular matrix genes (collagen, fibronectin, laminin), TGF-b mRNA and Ha-ras oncogene mRNA by using Northern and slot-blot hybridization and immunoperoxidase stains. Result: In Northern blot analysis, Ha-ras and TGF-b genes revealed respectively, 8.8kb and 2. 5kb sized mRNA transcripts in neurofibroma. These parameters were normal in the control. The expression of these genes were 1.9, 2.0 fold increased in neurofibroma. In slot-blot analysis, expression of type I collagen showed fibronectin genes to be 2,401+210, 540+43, respectively, in neurofibroma. So there were 3.7 fold, 2.1 fold, differences respectively, compared to the normal control. However, there were no significant changes of type IV collagen and laminin Bl mRNA levels between neurofibroma and normal skin tissues. Irnmunoperoxidase staining by rnonoclonal anti type IV collagen antibody in neurofibroma showed type IV collagen to be diffusely and weakly stained in tissue. On staining by monoclonal anti-laminin antibody, laminin was stained in a matrix and around vessels. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of extracellular matrix genes may suggest that there is a subpopulation of fibroic cells in neurofibroma which are stimulated by TGF-b. Ha-ras genes which might have accumulated with the differentiation of neural tissue may be related to the pathogenesis of neurofibroma tissue formation. Further studies are needed to determine whether the other factors are related to the pathogenesis of neurofibroma.
Subject(s)
Blotting, Northern , Collagen , Collagen Type I , Collagen Type IV , Coloring Agents , Extracellular Matrix , Fibronectins , Genes, ras , Laminin , Neurofibroma , Neurofibromatoses , RNA, Messenger , SkinABSTRACT
Cutaneous metastases from Internal carcinomas are relatively rare. We report a case of cutaneous metastasis believed t.o originate from primary lung carcinoma in a 69-year-old male patient. The patient presented with localized well defined multiple variable sized, hard eryt,hematous papules, nodules and pustules on the right chest, back and upper arm. Biopsy specimens from the nodules upper chest revealed scatt,ered islands of tumor cells and fi brosis of the dermis. To evaluate the role of p53 protein in the development of skin tumors, we examed p53 expres sion at protein level by imnunoperoxidase stain using monoclonal antimouse human p53 antibody on paraffin embeded tissues The patient died after four months from the appearance of cutaneous lesions.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Arm , Biopsy , Dermis , Islands , Lung , Neoplasm Metastasis , Paraffin , Skin , ThoraxABSTRACT
Infantile digital fibromatosis is a rare benign tumor on the fingers and toes of infants and childhood which is characterized by fibroblastic proliferation. Usually the lesions occur singly or severally on the dorsal or lateral aspects of the distal phalanges of the toes and fingers. The thumb and great toe are usually spared. These asymptomatic, firm, red, smooth nodules, some lcm diameter, occur during the first year of life. Forty-seven percent occur in the first month of life. This disease can occur after trauma. The lesions do not metastasize. Occasionally, spontaneous regression has been reported. After excision, recurrence can be possible. A 2 years old female infant had three large bean sized erythematous masses on the left 2,3,4th fingers. The erythematous aacule was developed at 6 months old and grew slowly. We could find inclusion body stained bright red with Massons trichrome and purple with PTAH in cytoplasm of fibroblast. The patient was treated with a simple excision followed by a skin graft. During 5 rnonths after operation, recurrence was not occurred.
Subject(s)
Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Cytoplasm , Fibroblasts , Fibroma , Fingers , Inclusion Bodies , Recurrence , Skin , Thumb , Toes , TransplantsABSTRACT
An 41-year-old woman with chronic active hepatitis developed multible asymptomatic erythematous papules, plaques and purpuras on the both lower leg, feet, forearms and hands. Some lesions progressed to ulcers with central black colored necrotic eschars. Biopsies and cultures demorrstrated a fungus, aspergillus fumigatus a the etilogic agent. No evicience of involvement of other organs by aspergillus fumigatus was found. Intravenous amphotericin B therapy was discontinued because of he immediate adverse effects. The patient received treatment with oral itaconazole(200mg/day) and intravenous fluconazole(400mg/day), but skin lesions have been recurring repeatedly.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Amphotericin B , Aspergillosis , Aspergillus fumigatus , Biopsy , Fluconazole , Foot , Forearm , Fungi , Hand , Hepatitis , Hepatitis, Chronic , Leg , Purpura , Skin , UlcerABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a relatively common acquired depigmentating disorder that affects at least 1 % of the population. The mode of transmission has not been clearly,stablished, but either polygenic or autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance and variable expresion has been proposed. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the causative factor, variable clinical features and current teratment of generalized vitiligo patients. METHOD: This clinical in vestigation was made with 225 outpatiens of generalized type vitiligo who had visited the Department of Dermatology, Keirnyung Universitv Hospital from January 1987 till December 1991. Results & CONCLUSION: 1. There were 125 female, (55.5%) and 100 males(44.4%). 2. The mean age of onset was 21.4 years(male . 24.3, female: 19.1). 3. The mean age at the first visit was 27.5 years (male : 28.8, female : 26.5). 4. The mean duration of the disease was 10.7 years(male : 9.9, female : 10.9). 5. The mean interval between onset and visiting was 6.1 years (male : 4.5, female : 7.4). 6. The most common sites of involvernent at the first visit was tie face 11.7% (male : 11.4%, female : 11.8%). 7. The most common precipitating factor was trauma(8.8%). 8. The most common previous treatment was sunlight irradiaion after application of topical oxoralene(33.2%). 9. The most common degree of depigmented lesion was 5-10%(64.4%). 10. The most common occupations of the patients were students mals, and housewife females.