bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A MECHANISM OF TRANSIENT IMMUNE DEPOSITION IN THE SKIN
Authors: Masuda Toshiki , Ueki Hiroaki , Nakaye Masako , Hatamochi Atsushi
Published: April 2015

To gain further insight into the mechanism of immune deposition in the skin, antigens and antibodies were administered intravenously at different times into normal guinea pigs, and the presence of immune complexes in frozen sections of skin was determined immunohistochemically, using light microscopy. Cutaneous immune deposits were found after primary injection of anti‐horseradish peroxidase antibody (IgG) followed by secondary administration of horseradish peroxidase, while no immune complexes were detected after the same injections in the reverse order. This disparity may possibly be explained by the length of time the antigen or antibody remains in the skin. Using a primary injection of bovine serum albumin (BSA), followed by secondary injection of anti‐BSA antibody, immune deposits were demonstrated in the skin. In these cases, if the initially injected antigen or antibody remained for a long time at the site of exudation, they would react with and form immune complexes with the subsequently injected antibody or antigen at the same site.
EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA ACQUISITA DIAGNOSED BY IMMUNOELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Authors: Matsukawa Ataru , Furue Masutaka , Yu Hsin‐Su , Tamaki Kunihiko , Yaoita Hideo
Published: April 2015

A 60‐year‐old Japanese man with a five year history of bullous lesions associated with scar and milia is described. This case seemed to have an unusual type of bullous pemphigoid clinically, histologically and immunofluorescently, but was found to have epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) based on electron microscopic and immunoelectron microscopic findings, in which amorphous substance and immunological reaction products were detected mainly below the subbasal lamina‐anchoring fibril zone.
ACQUIRED COLD URTICARIA
Authors: Katayama Ichiro , Doi Toshiaki , Nishioka Kiyoshi , Maeyama Kazutaka , Yamatodani Atsushi
Published: April 2015

Three patients with idiopathic cold urticaria were treated with either or both cyproheptadine (Histamine H1 receptor antagonist) and cimetidine (Histamine H2 receptor antagonist).

Cold induced histamine release (CIHR) was significantly higher in the patients (71.0 ± 23.8 pm/ml) than in normal volunteers (4.5 ± 1.0 pm/ml). Improvement of clinical manifestations with reduced CIHR was obtained by combination therapy using cyproheptadine and cimetidine but no favorable response was noted with either drug alone. The combined therapy with both drugs completely suppressed pruritis and edema but failed to suppress the erythematous reaction. Single cyproheptadine therapy was rather favored by the patients despite positive CIHR with the therapy.

Histamine release from patients' leukocytes under three different conditions (37°C, 4°C→37°C, 4°C) was not significantly different.
EFFECTS OF ORAL RETINOID ON THE SDS‐PAGE PROFILE OF STRATUM CORNEUM KERATIN IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS
Authors: Kitajima Yasuo , Tsuneda Yoriko , Furuta Hiroko , Mori Shunji
Published: April 2015

α‐Keratins from horny cells of lesional and non‐lesional skin in psoriatic patients were examined by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis before and after oral retinoid (etretinate at a dose of 50 mg/day) treatment. Horny cell specimens were obtained from lesional, non‐lesional, and normal human skin of the back or thigh by scraping with scalpel and/or tape stripping before retinoid treatment. Horny cell specimens of healed‐lesional skin and retinoid‐affected skin were obtained by tape stripping because the horny cell layer was too thin to use a scalpel. α‐Keratins from lesional horny cells showed 3 major polypeptide bands with molecular weights (mw) of 53,000, 55,000, and 59,000 and some minor bands with mw of 62,000, 66,000, and less than 53,000. Non‐lesions showed two polypeptides (mw, 59,000 and 66,000) before treatment. After treatment, α‐keratins from horny cells of both non‐lesions and resolved lesions showed three polypeptides bands (mw, 59,000, 62,000, and 66,000).
SERUM LEVELS OF ETRETINATE (RO 10‐9359) AND ITS METABOLITE (RO 10‐1670)
Authors: Ishizaki Hiroshi , Masuda Hiroshi , Kaseda Hidenori , Kaminaga Tokio , Hirone Takae
Published: April 2015

Serum levels of Etretinate (ET, Ro 10‐9359) and its metabolite (AM, Ro 10‐1670) were monitored during and after cessation of ET treatment in 12 patients with acquired disorders of keratinization who underwent the ET therapy at initial doses of 30 to 60 mg/day. Studies were made of the possible correlations between ET and AM serum levels, the appearance and disappearance of side effects, and elimination time profiles. Side effects appeared 1 to 2 weeks after the initiation of ET administration in all cases, although serum ET and AM levels at this time varied considerably, indicating individual differences in ET and AM susceptibility in the appearance of side effects. Serum ET and AM levels at the time of disappearance of side effects were lower than those at the time of appearance, suggesting some correlation of side effects with serum levels of ET, AM, or both. Serum level curves for ET and AM after cessation of ET administration were diverse. The maximum ET and AM elimination times from serum were 3 and 6 months, respectively.
DERMATOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ONCHOCERCIASIS IN GUATEMALA
Authors: Nonaka Shigeo , Yoshimura Takesumi , Sakamoto Makoto , Flores Guillelmo Zea
Published: April 2015

A comprehensive survey of onchocerciasis was made at San Vicente Pacaya, Guatemala, in 1978 to determine whether a relationship exists between general cutaneous changes and specific ones in Guatemalan onchocerciasis, and whether the depigmentation on the lower extremities is an onchocercal specific change or not. A total of 1185 people, 623 males and 562 females, were examined. The prevalence rate of onchocerciasis in the area surveyed was 41.6% in males and 17.3% in females. The prevalence rate of nodules was 20.1% in males and 6.8% in females. There was a similarity in the age distribution curves between the prevalence rate of nodules and that of onchocerciasis. The prevalence rate of the depigmentation on the lower extremities was 4.8% in males and 6.4% in females. There was no correlation between the age distribution curve and the prevalence rate of onchocerciasis. Symptoms coincident to the so called “pretibial depigmentation” were seen in 5 of 66 depigmented cases. The prevalence rate of the cicatricial depigmentation on the lower extremities was 31.3% in males and 28.3% in females. The rate of this depigmentation was considerably higher than the non‐cicatricial depigmentation of the lower extremities.

The prevalence rate of lymphadenopathy was 59.8% in males and 9.8% in females. “Hanging groin” and elephantiasis were not seen in this region of Guatemala. The prevalence rate of all eczematous dermatitis was 11.3% in males and 9.8% in females. There were six cases with generalized eczematous dermatitis among our series of 128 cases. Five cases were seen in patients with onchocerciasis. Except for lymphadenopathy, our data shows the prevalence rate of cutaneous changes to be relatively low when compared to the prevalence rate of Guatemalan onchocerciasis. The prevalence rate of the generalized eczematous dermatitis, which may be similar to onchocercal dermatitis, is extremely low, and the depigmentation on the lower extremities, which may be similar to the pretibial depigmentation, is not commonly seen in this region of Guatemala. However, similar mild conditions not coinciding with the typical case showed a considerably higher prevalence rate in the same surveyed region. The correlation between the prevalence rate of the lymphadenopathy and the onchocerciasis infection rate appeared to be real. From these results, we feel that palpation of lymph nodes is useful for the determination of clinical information in onchocerciasis, without causing any significant discomfort to the patients being surveyed.
FAILURE TO DETECT β2 MICROGLOBULIN IN VIRAL WARTS
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Inoue Yukiko
Published: April 2015

Twenty warts including Tinea versicolor like lesions of epidermodysplasia verruciformis were examined for cell membrane associated β2 microglobulin by the use of the direct immunofluorescence and indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The human papilloma virus infected keratinocytes in the granular layer and the uppermost stratum spinosum lack immunoreactive β2 microglobulin on the cell surface. This finding indicates that the human papilloma virus does alter the cell membrane properties of the infected target keratinocyte, and the failure to detect β2 microglobulin on cell surface does not necessarily mean that these cells have undergone malignant transformation.
A STUDY OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN CHLORPROMAZINE AND RIBOFLAVIN BINDING PROTEIN
Authors: Shiga Akiko , Matsumoto Syuichi , Ueda Hiroshi , Shiga Kiyoshi , Nishina Yasuzo , Watari Hiroshi , Horiike Kihachiro
Published: April 2015

The interaction between chlorpromazine (CPZ) and riboflavin binding protein (RBP) was studied by the spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric methods.

CPZ combined with RBP in a 1:1 molar ratio and the dissociation constant was determined to be 3.8 × 10–5M at pH 7, 25°C. Flavins such as riboflavin (Rf) and lumiflavin were released from the complexes with RBP by the addition of CPZ. The mechanism of flavin‐release was mainly competitive binding between CPZ and a isoalloxazine ring of flavins to RBP.

The mechanism of some biological phenomena induced by CPZ was discussed based on the flavin‐CPZ interaction.
NATURAL KILLER CYTOTOXICITY OF HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES IN VITRO
Authors: Kondo Shigeo , Sato Kumi , Aso Kazuo
Published: April 2015

The cytotoxicity of allogenic human lymphocytes was measured by 51Cr release from the target cells (HSC‐1). The null cell fraction as well as the T cell fraction treated with anti‐T cell monoclonal antibody showed cytotoxicity against the target cells; this was not enhanced by the addition of monocytes. It appeared therefore that the observed killing was natural killer‐like cytotoxicity. Enhancement of the cytotoxicity was observed when OK‐432 was present in the culture of lymphocytes.
GENERALIZED PUSTULAR PSORIASIS AND BACTEREMIA
Authors: Matsubara Motoo , Komori Machio , Koishi Kazuo , Yasuno Hirokazu , Ueda Keiichi , Seto Yoshifumi , Nonomura Kyoko
Published: April 2015

A 73‐year‐old man, who developed bacteremia in the course of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) which appeared one year after the onset of psoriasis vulgaris, was reported. Blood culture confirmed bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Epidermidis and Streptococcus faecalis. We emphasized in this article that bacteremia should be considered in emaciated patients with GPP who have received corticosteroid therapy for a long time, show remarkable shift to the left of neutrophils, and suffer remittent fever.
A CASE OF SUBACUTE CUTANEOUS LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS WITH A HIGH TITER OF RNP ANTIBODY
Authors: Kobayashi Yoichi , Matsunaga Etsuji , Nishioka Kiyoshi , Sano Shigeharu
Published: April 2015

A 30‐year‐old man developed severe erosive lesions in his oral cavity and transient Raynaud's phenomenon followed by discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)‐like lesions and non‐scarring erythema. He had a high titer of RNP antibody as well. Widespread DLE (w‐DLE), subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) were suspected as his condition. Finally we diagnosed him as having SCLE accompanied with a high titer of RNP antibody.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF FIBROUS PAPULE OF THE NOSE
Authors: Kimura Shunji , Yamasaki Yuichiro
Published: April 2015

Three cases of fibrous papule of the nose (FPN) were studied by electron microscopy. All three showed similar ultrastructural features; in the overlying epidermis, a number of large and small vacuoles without limiting membranes were observed within the keratinocytes, and melanocytes and melanosome‐complexes in the keratinocytes were increased in number; in the dermis, a number of mono‐ and binuclear mesenchymal cells which may well be regarded as fibrohistiocytic cells, proliferation and dilation of capillaries and venules, and a considerable number of Zebra bodies were seen. Neither melanocytes nor nevus cells were found in the dermis. These findings suggest that the large pale cells seen in the epidermis by light microscopy are vacuolated keratinocytes and that FPN has characteristics not of a nevocellular nevus but of an angiofibromatous tumor similar to so‐called adenoma sebaceum of Pringle's disease.
A BIOCHEMICAL STUDY OF EXPERIMENTAL PORPHYRIA
Authors: Shimoyama Tokio , Nonaka Shigeo , Honda Tetsuzo , Murayama Fumio , Ohgami Taro , Yoshida Hikotaro
Published: April 2015

In order to determine the lowest concentration of griseofulvin (GF) needed to induce abnormal porphyrin metabolism, D‐D strain mice were fed with a feed containing GF in concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. The liver and blood porphyrin levels were analyzed, and the red fluorescence of the liver and blood observed with a fluorescent microscope. In the 0.5% GF and 1.0% GF groups, a swelling of the liver was observed, and coproporphyrin and protoporphyrin levels in the liver and the blood increased markedly. However, the increase in protoporphyrin levels was more prominent than the increase of coproporphyrin levels. The increase in the liver protoporphyrin was more marked than that in the blood porphyrin. Comparisons of the 0.5% GF and 1.0% GF groups revealed that liver swelling was more prominent in the 1.0% GF group. A high degree of metabolic abnormality in blood protoporphyrin was found in 1.0% GF animals whose feeding period was rather short. In the 0.1% GF group, liver swelling was hardly noticeable, and there were no differences between the short feeding and long feeding groups. Although no abnormalities in blood porphyrins were noticed in comparison with the normal group, abnormally high levels of liver porphyrins were found in 3 out of the 34 treated mice. No differences from the normal group were noted in the remaining 31 animals. In the 0.5% GF and 1.0% GF groups, red fluorescence of the liver was seen in all cases, while in the 0.1% GF group, reticular red fluorescence was noted in only one animal.

From these findings, it appears that a marked increase in porphyrin occurs at a concentration above 0.5% in D‐D strain mice, whereas, at the concentration of 0.1%, the majority of the treated mice remain within normal limits. Only a few showed any abnormality of porphyrin metabolism. We feel that, for this reason, it would be better to use a GF concentration of 0.1% for the lowest concentration experiments involving GF‐induced protoporphyria in D‐D strain mice and especially for investigations of the interaction of other chemicals with GF, and investigations of initial changes of porphyrin metabolism.
IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON INFLAMMATORY INFILTRATES IN PSORIASIS
Authors: Kaneko Fumio , Kawagishi Ikuro , Miura Yusho , Watanabe Makoto , Kishiyama Kazunori , Ohkawara Akira
Published: April 2015

Deposits of immunoglobulins (Igs) and complement components can be demonstrated in the stratum corneum (SC) of psoriatic lesions by immunofluorescent (IF) technique. In this paper, the underlying inflammation in the lesional dermis, which may affect the immune reactions in the SC, was investigated by immunocytochemical and IF techniques.

Using the reactive tests for α‐naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity, T‐lymphocytes were found to be predominant among inflammatory infiltrates in the lesional dermis. By the immunoperoidase method, IgA and secretory component (S‐component) bearing cells, which seemed to be bound to each other on their cell surfaces, comprised about 20% of the mass of infiltrates in the upper dermis of early psoriatic lesions. These Igs and S‐component bearing cells seemed to be non T‐lymphocytes.

The inflammatory conditions in the dermis appeared to be closely connected to the immune reactions in the SC of psoriasis.
COEXISTENCE OF UNUSUAL SCABIES AND PNEUMOCYSTOSIS IN A PATIENT WITHOUT ANY UNDERLYING DISEASE
Authors: Arata Jirô , Ohara Atsunobu , Yamamoto Yasuo , Ikeda Masami , Kobayashi Makoto
Published: April 2015

Atypical and uncommon scabies with innumerable burrows was seen in a patient with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia who had no underlying disease or apparent immune deficiency. Some unknown immunological abnormality was considered to underlie both the development of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and the modification of scabies in this patient.
LICHEN PLANUS AMONG ARABS—A STUDY FROM LIBYA
Authors: Kanwar A.J. , Belhaj Mohammed Suleiman
Published: April 2015

An analytical study of 134 patients with lichen planus is presented. The sex ratio was 1.6:1 (M:F) and most patients having the disease were in the age group from 31 to 50 years. Lichen planus vulgaris (common type) was seen in 97 (72.39%) patients, lichen planus hypertrophicus in 15 (11.19%), lichen planus actinicus in 8 (5.97%), lichen planus follicularis and lichen planus atrophicus each in 3 (2.24%) and lichen planus pemphigoides in 1 patient. Mucous membrane involvement was seen in 19 (14.18%) patients and nail changes in only 3 (2.23%).
EPIDERMAL LANGERHANS CELLS IN VARIOUS SKIN DISEASES (2)
Authors: Kano Yoko , Shiohara Tetsuo , Nagashima Masaji
Published: April 2015

We compared the density of epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) in specimens taken from involved areas and peripheral normally pigmented skin in vitiligo, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) and photoleukomelanoderma, principally by means of staining for ATPase.

Ia antigen staining was used as supplementary identification method for LC.

A decrease in the density of LC in peripheral normally pigmented skin was observed in 4 of 8 specimens from normoimmunological vitiligo, and in 4 of 5 specimens from dysimmunological vitiligo. A remarkable decrease in the density of LC in involved areas was observed in IGH. The differences in LC density between vitiligo and IGH were highly suggestive of possible differences in the pathogenesis of leukoderma. We also discussed some possible roles of LC in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.
CALMODULIN ACTIVITY IN THE PSORIATIC EPIDERMIS
Authors: Kusakabe Yoshiyuki , Iizuka Hajime , Matsuo Shinobu , Kajita Satoshi , Tsutsui Masato , Mizumoto Toshihiro , Ohkawara Akira , Yamauchi Takashi
Published: April 2015

Recent reports suggest there is a growth‐associated fluctuation of calmodulin content in various tissues. Since psoriatic epidermis is one of the most proliferative epidermal tissues, we studied the calmodulin content of psoriatic involved and uninvolved epidermis.

By measuring activation of the calmodulin‐deficient phosphodiesterase purified from bovine brain, we assayed and compared the calmodulin activity in involved and uninvolved epidermis of seven psoriatic patients. Calmodulin purified from bovine brain was used as a standard. The mean calmodulin activity of the involved epidermis was 299 ± 149 (µg calmodulin activity/g.w.w. ±S.D.) or 9.6 ± 3.0 (µg calmodulin activity/mg protein). The mean calmodulin activity of the uninvolved epidermis was 251 ± 96 (µg calmodulin activity/g.w.w.) or 9.2 ± 2.9 (µg calmodulin activity/mg protein). These results indicate that psoriatic involved and uninvolved epidermis contains significant amounts of calmodulin, and that no marked differences exist in calmodulin content between these two areas.
ABNORMAL AND UNSTABLE PATTERNS OF THE DNA OF STROMA CELLS IN A PATIENT WITH TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS
Authors: Ishibashi Yasumasa , Inoue Yukiko , Takehara Kazuhiko , Kukita Atsushi , Murakami Yasufumi , Hanaoka Fumio , Yamada Masa‐Atsu
Published: April 2015

Explant cultures were prepared using normal‐looking skin and the so‐called adenoma sebaceum (AS) from the face of a 42‐year‐old male with tuberous sclerosis, Pringle's disease (PD), and the DNA content of the subcultured non‐epithelial cells (NECs), stroma cells, were investigated per nucleus and per cell by a flow cytofluorometer.

The DNA histogram per nucleus of the NECs from the normal‐looking skin of the patient did not reveal any remarkable differences from that of the normal control group.

In contrast, the DNA histograms per nucleus of cells from AS in the patient showed distinct and different patterns in comparison with those of the normal control group, including an increase in width and decrease in height of 2C peak, vanishing of 4C peak, and formation of a new small peak at the left end of the histogram.

On the other hand, the DNA histogram per cell of the NECs from the normal‐looking skin of the patient displayed a slightly different pattern from that per nucleus, with a distinct increase in width and a faint indentation.

Furthermore, the DNA histograms per cell of the NECs from AS exhibited drastic changes such as remarkable flattening and increase in the width of the 2C peak with a newly formed small peak at the left end of this histogram. However, these changes also varied according to the population density of large dendritic cells in the culture dish, even though these NECs were derived from the same AS tissue.

The above‐mentioned findings suggest that the amount of DNA per nucleus and probably per cell might not be equal among atypical NECs from AS in the patient even in the same G0•G1 phase.
PROMOTION OF COAGULASE RELEASE BY SERUM ALBUMIN IN SAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS DERIVED FROM FURUNCLE
Authors: Dekio Satoshi , Jidoi Joji
Published: April 2015

Three strains of Staphylococcus aureus derived from furuncles were cultured in media with and without bovine serum albumin, and coagulase titers in the media were examined. Although the titers were increased during the early to mid log phases of growth and decreased after the mid log phase in the medium without serum albumin, they were increased both during the early to mid log phase, and after the mid log phase as well in the medium with serum albumin. As coagulase probably protects the bacteria from the natural defense mechanisms of the host, these results suggest that Staphylococcus aureus introduced to damaged skin surfaces with accumulated plasma‐like fluid proliferates well because of the prolonged high coagulase level around them, allowing the number of bacteria to become great enough to produce a furuncle.
TRICHOSTASIS SPINULOSA
Authors: Nakamura Shinichi , Gotoh Masanori
Published: April 2015

A twenty‐nine year old man with trichostasis spinulosa is described. The distribution of multiple hairs was confined to the back and abdomen. Lesions were examined with both the light microscope and scanning electron microscope to determine the etiology of this disease.
HETEROGENEITY OF EPIDERMAL PREKERATIN AND KERATIN BETWEEN SOLE AND BODY SKIN IN HUMANS
Authors: Kitajima Yasuo , Furuta Hiroko , Tsuneda Yoriko , Yoneda Kazufumi , Mori Shunji
Published: April 2015

Recently, heterogeneity of stratum corneum keratin (α‐fibrous protein) in various anatomic sites has been described in humans as well as cows and rats. In order to study this heterogeneity more clearly in humans, we compared acid soluble (citrate buffer at pH 2.65) prekeratin, acid insoluble (8 M urea‐2‐mercaptoethanol soluble) living cell keratin, and stratum corneum keratin from sole and body (nonsole‐nonpalm) skin using SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), amino acid analysis, and immunological analyses.

In prekeratin, no differences were seen between sole and body by SDS‐PAGE. Prekeratins from the two sources showed a 4‐band pattern with molecular weights of 55,000, 59,000, 62,000 and 69,000. In living cell keratin, the 69,000 band disappeared and a 49,000 band appeared in sole, but not in body epidermis. In stratum corneum keratin, a distinct difference was seen between sole and body skin. The sole stratum corneum keratin showed a 3‐band pattern (55,000, 59,000 and 62,000 mw) while that of body showed a two‐band pattern (59,000 and 66,000 mw).

Despite the heterogeneity of the SDS‐PAGE profiles, no significant differences were seen in amino acid composition amongst these specimens.

Immunologically, using double diffusion, antiserum against stratum corneum keratin from the sole principally produced two precipitin lines against the same keratin of sole origin and one precipitin line against prekeratin, living cell keratin, and stratum corneum keratin of body origin. This precipitin line fused with one of the two precipitin lines produced between antiserum and the sole stratum corneum keratin.

These results indicate that anatomical‐site heterogeneity in α‐fibrous protein of human epidermis does not exist at the acid‐soluble prekeratin level, but does at the acid‐insoluble keratin level of living cell layer and stratum corneum when examined by SDS‐PAGE, and that some, but not all, keratin antigens are immunologically common between sole and body.
DISTURBED MITOTIC PROCESSES OF STROMA CELLS IN A PATIENT WITH TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS
Authors: Ishibashi Yasumasa , Inoue Yukiko , Takehara Kazuhiko , Furue Masutaka , Kukita Atsushi
Published: April 2015

Skin fragments of a giant molluscum pendulum and so‐called adenomata sebacea (AS) in the face of a 21‐year‐old female with Pringle's disease were explanted and the cell divisions of outgrown and subcultured non‐epithelial cells (NECs) were observed at suitable intervals with a phase contrast microscope. In both tissues, a number of NECs, especially large and medium sized ones, showed distinct chromosome dysarrangements, including segmental arrangement, eccentric arrangement, and arrangement failure, when chromosomes were arranged in the central area of individual cells in metaphase, causing extreme lagging in the subsequent cell division.

These cells showed varying disturbances such as 1) the formation of elevated humps of varying sizes, followed by division after some of them were eliminated, 2) division into two cells of different sizes, 3) division into three after microcells had formed, 4) division into several, which was followed by restitution into two by fusion, 5) division failure, and 6) multinucleation after division, all of which suggested C‐mitosis.

These findings indicate that the distributing mechanism of chromosomes, i.e. the centromere‐microtubules‐centriole system, particularly the function of microtubules, might be disturbed in the NECs.
LABORATORY STUDIES OF COLLAGEN WOUND DRESSING (CAS)
Authors: Murata Shinjiro , Fujigaki Masao , Umemura Koshiro , Izawa Masanori , Shibata Uichi , Fujii Tadahiko , Nishizawa Masaru , Iwamoto Kuniharu , Matsumoto Katsumi
Published: April 2015

In order to elucidate the behavior of collagen wound dressing (CAS) after application, the transport of radioactivity from 3H‐CAS applied to rabbit skin excision was determined.

Neutral soluble collagen fraction was extracted from the skin of 30 rats given 30 mCi of 3H‐glycine, followed by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. The resulting mixture was then used as a binder of unlabelled collagen web to form 3H‐CAS.

Skin, 2.5 cm square and 0.02 inch deep, was excised with a dermatome on bilateral sites of the back of 6 rabbits.

Then, 3H‐CAS sheet, 3.5 cm square, was applied to each excision with 20 pieces of gauze and an elastic bandage. Each animal was kept separately in a metabolic cage to collect urine and feces every 24 hours. After the animals were sacrificed on the 8th day, 3H‐CAS, gauze, elastic bandage, and the skin near the treatment area were collected, and the radioactivity was determined by a liquid scintillation counter after combustion in a sample oxidizer.

More than 98.2% of radioactivity was recovered from 3H‐CAS after 8 days.

Release of radioactivity from 3H‐CAS by exudate was negligible and percutaneous transport of collagen was not observed.

No radioactivity was detected in rabbit serum, urine, or feces.
INITIAL STAGE OF PROCESSING FROM PREKERATIN INTO KERATIN MOLECULES IN HUMAN EPIDERMIS IN VITRO
Authors: Katagata Yohtaro , Aso Kazuo
Published: April 2015

In order to clarify the initial formation of keratin from prekeratin molecules, we undertook a pulse‐chase experiment using [U‐14C]‐glycine labelled prekeratin subunit mixture in vitro.

The experiment was carried out at 37°C for 3 hours using a specimen (3 mm2×0.1 mm) in Dulbecco minimum essential medium (MEM) containing 14C‐glycine. Incorporation of 14C‐glycine into the prekeratin molecules was exhibited in six prekeratins (M.W. about 71, 69, 62, 55, 52 and 49 K, respectively), and the highest incorporated molecule among them was the 55K‐prekeratin molecule. After 30 minutes at 37°C in the above medium, the intact specimens were transferred into a comparable medium free of 14C‐glycine, and further incubated for 4 hours. The 52K‐ and 62K‐prekeratin molecules had increased at 60 minutes after being chased, as compared with the starting radioactive value. From this result, it was suggested that the two prekeratin molecules might be intermediates in the initial stage of keratinization. Moreover, the human epidermal homogenate was more effective in converting the prekeratin into keratin molecules. Some factor(s) may be present in the fraction which convert the prekeratin into keratin molecules.
ECCRINE POROCARCINOMA
Authors: Claudy A.L. , Garcier F. , Kanitakis J.
Published: April 2015

The histological, electron microscopic, and immunological findings in a case of eccrine porocarcinoma are described. The tumors were verrucous, wart‐like lesions and nodules which ulcerated secondarily. They were located on the leg. The patient died in a few months from dissemination of the disease. The tumor examined was epidermotropic and mainly composed of a clear cell proliferation. Ultrastructurally, the cells showed large, nucleolated nuclei, numerous mitochondria, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, single desmosomal plaques, sparse tonofibrils in the perinuclear region, multivesicular dense bodies, and interdigitating cytomembranes. A few dark cells were present. No Langerhans cells, indeterminate dendritic cells or melanocytes were observed. The tumor cells were labeled with KL 1 monoclonal antikeratin antibody. The secretory cells of uninvolved eccrine sweat glands in the close vicinity of the tumor and in the perilesional skin were strongly labeled with D 47 monoclonal antibody reacting with the secretory cells of human eccrine sweat gland, whereas the tumor cells remained unlabeled. Our study results showed that the origin of this tumor was not the secretory portion of the gland but rather its excretory portion.
ECTOPIC NAIL ASSOCIATED WITH BONE DEFORMITY
Authors: Yamasaki Reiko , Yamasaki Masahiro , Kokoroishi Takatoshi , Jidoi Joji
Published: April 2015

A 5‐year‐old girl with a congenital ectopic nail is reported. The nail existed on the tip of left little finger. The distal phalanx showed an M‐shaped deformity on the roentgenogram. After an operation for resectioning of the ectopic nail, the depression between the two peaks of the distal phalanx became shallow. The necessity of a roentgenologic observation of the ectopic nail, especially in this child's case, was considered.
CLEAR CELL ACANTHOMA DEVELOPING IN EPIDERMAL NEVUS
Authors: Sawada Mitsuo , Ishizaki Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

A clear cell acanthoma developed in an epidermal nevus of a 73‐year‐old man who had the Leser‐Trélat sign in association with lung cancer. The occurrence of clear cell acanthoma is presumably related to the pathogenesis of the Leser‐Trélat sign.
STUDIES ON BLACKFOOT DISEASE AND CHRONIC ARSENISM IN SOUTHERN TAIWAN
Authors: Yu Hsin‐Su , Sheu Hamn‐Ming , Ko Spring‐Shiang , Chiang Lien‐Chai , Chien Chung‐Ho , Lin Shan‐Meei , Tserng Biing‐Rong , Chen Chin‐Shu
Published: April 2015

An endemic peripheral vascular disorder called “blackfoot disease” has been noticed in a limited area on the southern coast of Taiwan. Clinically, the symptoms and signs of blackfoot disease (BFD) are similar to those of Buerger's disease. The main ultrastructural change in the dermal blood vessel is degeneration of the endothelial cells. Among the inhabitants of this endemic area, a remarkable percentage of chronic arsenism is also found. It is currently believed that drinking of artesian well water containing both a fluorescent substance (FC) and arsenic is the cause of these two diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine the vascular and mutagenic effects of FC and also to discuss the roles of FC and arsenic in BFD and chronic arsenism. It was found that FC has the following effects: (1) inhibition of histamine‐induced capillary permeability (2) degeneration in the capillary endothelial cells in vivo (3) mutagenesis, and (4) enhancement of the incorporation of 3H‐thymidine in low fetal calf serum containing cultured fibroblasts. This is strong evidence that FC is the primary substance affecting the endothelial cells and has an important effect in BFD. Other effects of FC include mutagenicity and increased DNA synthesis. When these effects are combined with arsenic, chronic arsenism becomes prevalent.
PORPHYRIA CUTANEA TARDA ASSOCIATED WITH LYMPHOMA
Authors: Adrados G. , Orejas B. , Salamanca R. Enriquez De , Aniceto J. , Valls V. , Aguiar A. Ruiz De , Fernandez‐Cruz A.
Published: April 2015

In a patient with histiocytic diffuse lymphoma, the diagnosis of subclinical porphyria cutanea tarda was simultaneously established. Chemotherapy improved both conditions until a septic complication occurred.

Although the association of the two diseases may have been casual, their possible relationship should be taken into account.
STRUCTURAL ABNORMALITIES IN THE MITIS FORM (TYPE‐II) OF EHLERS‐DANLOS SYNDROME
Authors: Masutani Mamoru , Unno Toshio
Published: April 2015

The ultrastructure of collagen fibers in the dermis of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (EDS) has been described in several previous reports. However, discussions of the ultrastructural changes in EDS‐Type II have been infrequent and brief. The behavior of alterative degeneration remains unclear, although there has been one previous report each on EDS‐Type I, Type VI, and Type VII (1, 3, 6). Our ultrastructural studies of EDS‐Type II revealed that bundles of collagen fibers were slightly thinner than in normal human skin, as were the individual collagen fibers also. Two or three serrated collagen fibers (up to 188 nm) were seen within the collagen bundle. The width of these serrated fibers was clearly less than in EDS‐Type I, and these fibers were less frequent than in the severe clinical form of EDS. It could be useful to be able to classify the subtypes of the EDS by structural pattern as well as by clinical appearance.
AGE‐RELATED CHANGES IN DRUG CONCENTRATION IN SKIN AND LUNGS OF MICE
Authors: Ohkoshi Motohiro , Oka Tohru
Published: April 2015

How drug concentration in skin and lung due to vascular action changed with aging was examined quantitatively by a bioassay using bacteria. The concentration of the drug (anticancerous agent, Bleomycin) did not decrease in the skin of older mice as compared with that in younger mice, but showed a decrease in the lungs.

An experiment using Kallikrein, a peripheral vasodilator, revealed that the kinin‐kallikrein system exists in mice.

The peripheral circulation increasing action of Kallikrein decreased in the skin and increased in the lungs of older mice as compared with young mice.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON AGGLUTININS TO SPOROTHRIX SCHENCKII IN NONSPOROTRICHOTIC HUMAN AND ANIMAL SERA
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroto , Ishizaki Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Sera from 348 nonsporotrichotic patients were tested for agglutinin titers to Sporothrix schenckii. Agglutinins in low titers (less than 1:64) were present in 96% of sera. Agglutinins were partially removed by absorption with group B and group G streptococci, but not with group C streptococci. Agglutinins were also partially inhibited by the monosaccharides, galactose, rhamnose or mannose. The decrease in agglutinin titers did not show any correlation with group B or G streptococcus absorptions, or with inhibitions by the three monosaccharides. A significant elevation of agglutinin titers in rabbit sera was seen after immunization with group B and G streptococci or Klebsiella pneumoniae K47 cells. From these data, it was suggested that agglutinins to S. schenckii in nonsporotrichotic humans and animals occur not from immunological response to S. schenckii but from a heterologous background.
ISOLATION OF A LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT GLYCOPROTEIN IN THE HUMAN URINE: COMPARISON WITH URINARY PEMPHIGOID ANTIGEN
Authors: Miyagawa Sachiko , Yonemasu Kunio , Okuchi Toshie , Sakamoto Kuniki
Published: April 2015

A glycoprotein was isolated from the urine of normal individuals and patients with bullous pemphigoid by means of ultrafiltration, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. The yield of the purified glycoprotein from each liter of pooled urine was 0.35–0.40 mg. Analysis of the glycoprotein on SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single band of approximate molecular weight 23 kd. The glycoprotein contained approximately 2.5% (w/w) carbohydrate. The glycoprotein differed from the urinary pemphigoid antigen described by Diaz et al (1), though both were nondialyzable, cathodally migrating, low molecular weight glycoproteins in the human urine. The significance of the glycoprotein is unclear at present, but it might be useful for studies of the metabolic degradation process of serum proteins.
PUNCH BIOPSY OF THE SKIN: EFFECT OF TISSUE FIXATION WITH CO2‐FREEZING
Authors: Serup Jørgen
Published: April 2015

The effect of tissue fixation with CO2‐freezing on the size and quality of punch biopsies was studied post mortem. Four millimeter punch biopsies were taken from the abdominal skin with a motor drill operating at 250 RPM, before and after freezing with CO2 in acetone. The dry defatted weight was determined from 32 biopsies in each series, and light microscopy was performed on 16 biopsies in each series after setting up a double blind system.

The dry weight of the whole biopsy was higher (p<0.05) after CO2‐freezing, but the weight of the epidermis/dermis alone was the same. The conical shape of the punch biopsies was due to retraction occurring during and after biopsy and not to loss of tissue.

In the CO2‐frozen series, there were more (p<0.001) biopsies cylindrical in shape, more (p<0.001) biopsies including fascia and muscle, fewer (p<0.001) biopsies with trauma, more (p<0.01) biopsies with subcutaneous tissue represented, in a larger amount (p<0.001), and more (p<0.001) biopsies optimal for microscopy.

After tissue fixation, the quality of the biopsies for microscopy was much better with regard to tissues represented and tissue archilecture. Further efforts to develop an easy in vivo technique for tissue fixation are indicated.
SKIN PENETRATION OF NICOTINIC ACID, METHYL NICOTINATE, AND BUTYL NICOTINATE IN THE GUINEA PIG
Authors: Osamura Hiromi , Jimbo Yuko , Ishihara Masaru
Published: April 2015

Carbon‐14 labeled nicotinic acid (NA), methyl nicotinate (MN), and butyl nicotinate (BN) were dissolved in distilled water or olive oil vehicles and applied to in vivo and excised guinea pig skin. Four skin conditions were represented by allergic, irritated, tape‐stripped, and normal skin. The amount of chemicals released to, retained by, and penetrating the skin was measured one‐half to twenty‐four hours after application.

The penetration of NA was less than that of BN or MN. The release of chemicals to the skin was inversely related to their solubility in vehicles. More chemical was released to in vivo than excised skin. A barrier effect occurring in the lowest part of the horny layer affected NA most, followed by BN, and MN. Release of NA and MN from vehicles was greatest in tape‐stripped skin, followed by irritated, allergic, and normal skin. BN release was not affected by skin conditions.
SARCOIDOSIS WITH XANTHOMATHOUS AND NECROBIOTIC CHANGES
Authors: Fujii Yoshihisa , Shinkai Hiroshi , Takayasu Susumu
Published: April 2015

A 74‐year‐old female patient with sarcoidosis who had cutaneous lesions on the scalp and lower legs, cervical lymph node enlargement, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy was studied. Histologically, aggregates of foam cells intermingled with lymphoid cells in addition to epithelioid cell granulomas were detected in the atrophic plaque with yellowish macules of the scalp. Additionally, she had brownish nodules on the lower legs with degenerative changes of connective tissue surrounded by epithelioid cell granulomas. In this degenerative area, irregularly clumped elastic fibers were observed. These elastic fibers were stained positively by the von Kossa method.
EFFECTS OF MOUSE AND HUMAN EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR ON THE OUTGROWING EPIDERMIS OF PIG AND HUMAN SKIN EXPLANTS
Authors: Aoyagi Takashi , Kato Naoko , Suya Hideko , Miura Yusho , Yoshida Tetsunori , Ohura Takehiko
Published: April 2015

The effects of mouse and human epidermal growth factors (mEGF and hEGF) on the outgrowing epidermis of pig and human skin explants were studied. Both mEGF and hEGF significantly stimulated the rate of pig and human epidermal outgrowth at 0.01–0.05 µg/ml. mEGF also stimulated mitosis of pig outgrowing epidermis. The stimulatory effect of mEGF on the rate of pig epidermal outgrowth and mitosis of pig outgrowing epidermis was potentiated by fetal calf serum. These results indicate that EGF may have a possibile clinical application in epidermal wound healing.
EFFECT OF PLANT SH‐PROTEASE ON HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE GRANULE ELASTASE
Authors: Hamanaka Kazuko , Toki Naotika , Takasugi Sumiyoshi , Sumi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

In the present study, attempts were made to examine the effects of plant SH‐protease on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte granule elastase. S‐2484 amidolytic activity in extracted solution using 0.1% Triton X‐100 was remarkably higher than in the solution without Triton X‐100. The authors confirmed the possibility that the presence of solvents such as Triton X‐100 might be required for extraction of elastase from the granule membrane. It was also confirmed that ficin and papain inhibited extraction of elastase from the granule membrane by Triton X‐100, and that SH‐protease can inhibit S‐2484 amidolytic and Congo red‐elastinolytic activities of the released elastase. However, it is not clear whether SH‐protease inhibits the release of proelastase from the granule membrane or inhibits activation of released proelastase to elastase. The authors assume that there may be competitive inhibition between SH‐protease and elastase against the substrate.
EXPERIMENTAL CUTANEOUS VASCULITIS IN HAMSTER CHEEK POUCH CHAMBERS
Authors: Sarashi Chizuko , Nishioka Kiyoshi , Katayama Ichiro , Sano Shigeharu
Published: April 2015

Induction of cutaneous vasculitis has been attempted in hamster cheek pouch chambers. Only slugging of blood flow and narrowing of blood vessels were noted in the chambers by injecting a mixture of antigen and antibody at an antibody excess ratio. Hemorrhagic reaction was observed at venules connecting newly growing capillaries to epidermal grafts. Massive infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was noted at hemorrhagic sites where deposition of the antibody on the blood vessel wall was found. As hemorrhagic response was observed in half of the hamsters injected with the mixture and in those preimmunized and then injected with antigens, our system will provide an aid in analyzing human cutaneous vasculitis.
RELIABILITY OF CYTODIAGNOSIS IN ORAL PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS
Authors: Ruocco Vincenzo , Coscia‐Porrazzi Luigi , Pisani Maruco
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to verify the reliability of the Tzanck test, performed by both traditional cytomorphology and the direct immunofluorescence technique, in diagnosis of oral pemphigus vulgaris.

Cytologic smears were obtained from oral erosions of thirty patients with well ascertained pemphigus vulgaris. Control smears were taken from thirty patients affected by various other diseases of oral mucosa and from thirty healthy subjects. Cytologic diagnosis of oral pemphigus was based upon significant findings of acantholytic cells by cytomorphology, and of epithelial cells with pericellular deposition of IgG (which persisted after cytocentrifugation) by direct immunofluorescence.

The cytomorphological test gave positive results in twenty‐eight patients with pemphigus and in one patient with herpetic stomatitis, and negative results in all other cases.

The immunocytologic test gave positive results in all patients with pemphigus, and negative results in all controls.

These findings indicate that the cytomorphological test may be a useful method for screening oral pemphigus, while the immunocytologic test may provide a reliable method for definitive diagnosis.
IMMUNE COMPLEXES AND LYMPHOCYTE SUBSET IN SECONDARY STAGE PITYRIASIS ROSEA#
Authors: Wu Ying‐Chin , Chang Chun‐Hsiang , Hsieh Rhong‐Phong , In Kuo‐Lin
Published: April 2015

Circulating immune complexes (CIC), percentages of lymphocyte subsets, serum immunoglobulins (IgG, M, A), serum complements (C3, C4) and tissue immunoreactants (IgG, M, A, C3, Clq, properdin and fibrinogen) were measured in thirty‐one patients with secondary stage pityriasis rosea (PR) and in forty‐five healthy controls. In these patients, no significant amount of CIC and tissue immunoreactants were detected. Decreased OKT4/OKT8 ratio resulting from the decreased OKT4‐positive (helper/inducer) cells and the increased OKT8‐positive (suppressor/cytotoxic) cells was noted in the patients as compared with the controls (p<0.001). In addition, an elevation of IgM and a decrease of C3 in sera were also noted. The role of the immune mechanism in the pathogenesis of PR and the possible causal agents are discussed.
A CASE OF ACUTE FEBRILE NEUTROPHILIC DERMATOSIS (SWEET'S SYNDROME)
Authors: Maekawa Yoshihiro , Kageshita Toshiro , Nagata Takashi
Published: April 2015

A 48‐year‐old Japanese woman suffering from acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis was hospitalized. The skin lesions included pea to thumb sized nodules and plaques that were edematous, flat elevated and oval shaped. Laboratory data disclosed high ESR, neutrophilic leucocytosis and positive CRP. Histological findings showed dense perivascular infiltration consisting mainly of neutrophils and nuclear dusts.

An immunofluorescent study demonstrated deposits of IgM and C3 on the vessel walls, suggesting Arthus's reaction in the vessel walls as a cause of the subsequent pathologic changes in the skin.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA ON RUBEOSIS STEROIDICA
Authors: Kikuchi Ichiro , Tajiri Akihiko
Published: April 2015

Squamous cell carcinoma developed on the erythematous right cheek of a 79‐year‐old woman where she had used corticosteroid ointments for 20 years. This condition, also known as rubeosis steroidica, might have predisposed the patient to squamous cell carcinoma, although the possibility of its being a coincidental association cannot be excluded.
Autoantibodies against Cell Adhesion Molecules in Pemphigus
Authors: Amagai Masayuki
Published: April 2015

cDNA cloning has demonstrated that pemphigus autoantigens of both pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus are members of the desmoglein subfamily of the cadherin supergene family. The availability of these cDNAs allowed us to utilize molecular engineering to attempt to understand the pathophysiology of pemphigus. Transfection study with a chimeric molecule containing the extracellular domain of PV antigen (PVA) and the cytoplasmic domain of E‐cadherin demonstrated that the extracellular domain of PVA mediates weak homophilic cell adhesion. Bacterial fusion proteins representing different parts of PVA showed that the major immunogenic domains are EC1, EC2, and EC4 and that at least one pathogenic epitope is located on the amino‐terminal region of PVA, an area thought to be important for classic cadherin homophilic interaction. Further, a secreted form of PVA recombinant protein, PVIg, was produced by baculovirus expression. Immunoabsorption assay has demonstrated that PVIg is capable of absorbing pathogenic autoantibodies from patients' sera and preventing blister formation in neonatal mice.