Acidic pH-activated Cl- Current and Intracellular Ca2+ Response in Human Keratinocytes

The layers of keratinocytes form an acid mantle on the surface of the skin. Herein, we investigated the effects of acidic pH on the membrane current and [Ca2+](c) of human primary keratinocytes from foreskins and human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Acidic extracellular pH (pHe< or =5.5) activated outwardly rectifying Cl- current (I(Cl,pH)) with slow kinetics of voltage-dependent activation. I(Cl,pH) was potently inhibited by an anion channel blocker 4,4`-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2`-disulphonic acid (DIDS, 73.5% inhibition at 1micrometer). I(Cl,pH) became more sensitive to pHe by raising temperature from 24degrees C to 37degrees C. HaCaT cells also expressed Ca2+ -activated Cl- current (I(Cl,Ca)), and the amplitude of I(Cl,Ca) was increased by relatively weak acidic pHe (7.0 and 6.8). Interestingly, the acidic pHe (5.0) also induced a sharp increase in the intracellular [Ca2+] (delta[Ca2+](acid)) of HaCaT cells. The delta[Ca2+](acid) was independent of extracellular Ca2+, and was abolished by the pretreatment with PLC inhibitor, U73122. In primary human keratinocytes, 5 out of 28 tested cells showed delta[Ca2+](acid). In summary, we found I(Cl,pH) and delta[Ca2+](acid) in human keratinocytes, and these ionic signals might have implication in pathophysiological responses and differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes.

Two Cases of Relapsed Primary Cutaneous CD30 Positive Large Cell Lymphoma / 대한피부과학회지

The clinical characteristics of primary cutaneous CD30-positive large cell lymphoma are solitary or localized skin lesions, frequent relapses, spontaneous regression and a favorable prognosis. These relapses and spontaneous regressions occur frequently in borderline cases between CD30-positive large cell lymphoma and lymphomatoid papulosis. Regression and relapse, which occurs in both cutaneous CD30 positive large cell lymphoma and lymphomatoid papulosis, dose not help distinguish one from the other. We report two cases diagnosed as clinically and histologically primary cutaneous CD30-positive large cell lymphoma, recurred respectively on the same anatomic site and on the different anatomic site.

Web Usability Test for Homepages of Several Group-Practicing Dermatology Clinics / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Current changing trends in dermatology practices push most dermatologists to manage their own homepage. But, most dermatologists do not know how to construct and maintain their homepage effectively and efficiently. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: By testing web usability of four dermatology clinic homepages of relatively large scale, we tried to give some insight of constructing homepages in the viewpoints of homepage users to dermatologists who have a plan to make their own homepage. RESULTS: Four well-known dermatology clinic homepages are relatively well-planned and multi-purposed ones. However, they show weaknesses in the aspect of information architecture and the selection of the themes of contents. Most of the online shopping malls constructed on their homepages show only primitive forms. CONCLUSION: For the effective operation a clinic homepage, a dermatologist as a planner and manager of homepage should have the concept of web usability. If homepages are built with the concept of web usability, they will be operated more fruitfully.

Tacrolimus ointment: An Open study for Effects on Severe Facial Atopic Dermatitis in Korean

BACKGROUND: In recent studies, tacrolimus ointment has been shown to be effective for the treatment of atopic dermatitis with an excellent safety profile. OBJECTIVE: This study was done to assess the efficacy and side-effects of tacrolimus ointment for the facial atopic dermatitis(AD) in Korean. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Open-label, non-comparative study with 2 months' follow-up was done to assess the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment (Protopic0ointment 0.1%, Fujisawa, Japan) in moderate to severe facial AD. Patients were instructed to apply it two times daily for 8 weeks. Facial lesions were evaluated at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment with in-tensity score by investigator. RESULTS: In comparing of intensity scores and each clinical score at baseline with those of 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, a significant decrease was noticed at all follow-up periods. Burning sense(54.5%) and pruritus(18.2%) were detected. CONCLUSION: Tacrolimus ointment is effective in treatment of severe facial AD and has tolerable mild adverse effects at the site of application in Korean.

Accessory Breast Tissue Clinically Mimicking Soft Fibroma / 대한피부과학회지

Accessory breast tissue is a developmental anomaly defined as persistence of breast tissue along the embryonic mammary line in the mid-thoracic region. Rarely, an abnormally located remnant of the line persists and develops into completely formed mammary glands. A 61-year-old woman presented with a pedunculated mass on the mid-lower abdomen, below the umbilicus. She detected a pea-sized nodule a few decades ago and it gradually enlarged since 1 year ago. There was no pigmented prominence resembling a nipple. Histological finding revealed lobules of the breast forming islands of glandular tissue. We believe this is an unusual case of accessory breast tissue mimicking soft fibroma as a pedunculated mass.