RESUMO
<p><b>OBJEVTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of transient receptor potential lvanilloidreceptor 4 (TRPV4) protein in pemphigus vulgaris (PV), bullous pemphigoid (BP), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and explore the role of TRPV4 in the pathogenesis of these diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>TRPV4 protein in normal skin tissues and lesions of PV, BP, DH, and EBA were detected with immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positivity rate of TRPV4 protein expression was 61.90% in PV, 81.81% in BP, 72.22% in DH, and 68.42% in EBA. TRPV4-positive rates in these lesions were significantly lower than the rate in normal skin tissues (93.33%) and also differed significantly among these lesions (PV<EBA<DH<BP).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIN</b>Low TRPV4 expressions may affect the formation and reconstitution of skin connection. TRPV4 may play an role in the occurrence and development of autoimmune bullous skin disorders.</p>