bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics of Pigmented Macules on Palms and/or Soles Appearing after Middle Age in Japan
Authors: Narisawa Yutaka , Kohda Hiromu
Published: April 2015

We have examined the clinical characteristics of pigmented macules on palms and/or soles. A total of 238 inpatients and 111 healthy persons over 40 years old in Japan were included in our analysis. We found: (a) that such pigmented macules may occur not only on healthy persons but also on patients who suffer from various internal disorders, (b) that, in both males and females, the incidence of pigmented macules is relatively high in malignancy patients in comparison with non‐malignancy and control individuals, (c) that the incidence is higher in males than in females, (d) that, in both males and females, there was a tendency toward distribution on both palms and soles in malignancy patients in comparison with the non‐malignancy and control individuals (p<0.01), and (e) that, among cases with pigmented macules, the number of pigmented macules is empirically greater in inpatients (the malignancy and non‐malignancy groups) than in the controls.
The Mechanisms of Histological Incontinence of Pigment: Light and Electron Microscopic Studies of Lesions and Patch Test Sites in Female Facial Melanosis and DNCB Reactions in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Onoda Susumu
Published: April 2015

Histological incontinence of pigment (HIP) was studied using light and electron microscopy in a pigmented lesion from a female facial melanosis (FFM) patient and in another lesion produced by isoeugenol when the patient was patch tested. The following sequence of events is thought to underlie HIP. Phagocytes invade the epidermis and phagocytize melanosomes either in keratinocytes or in cytoid bodies, which are degenerated keratinocytes. These phagocytes then return to the dermis through gaps in the basal lamina.

In brown guinea pigs sensitized to DNCB, 0.02% DNCB in acetone was applied repeatedly to the same area of the abdomen once per week for six weeks. HIP was observed in 28% of the animals following the fifth application of DNCB. In contrast to the HIP process observed in the patient, phagocytes in brown guinea pigs phagocytized free melanosomes. In irritant reactions to DNCB in brown guinea pigs, only concentrations which produced epidermal necrosis induced HIP.
Ultrastructural Sites of Blister Formation in Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Report of a Case and Retrospective Electron Microscopy Using Routine Histologic Preparations
Authors: Horiguchi Yuji , Danno Kiichiro , Toda Ken‐ichi , Takada Kazuyo , Komura Jinro , Horio Takeshi , Imamura Sadao
Published: April 2015

Electron microscopy of the skin lesions of a patient with the classical type of dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), showing granular IgA deposits beneath the epidermis and gluten‐sensitive enteropathy, revealed that the initial changes of the vesicular or blister formation are neutrophilic invasion above the basal lamina and consequent degeneration of the basal cells. Retrospective electron microscopic studies using the refixation‐reembedding method performed on four previous cases of classical DH revealed the coexistence of degeneration of the basal cells and dermal vacuolization in two cases, blister formation above the basal lamina in one case, and blister formation in the uppermost dermis with basal lamina remaining along the blister roof in one case. The infiltrating inflammatory cells in the skin of classical type of DH seem to injure the epidermal‐dermal junction, including the basal cells and the uppermost dermis, to initiate the blister or vesicular formation.
Cutaneous Infection Caused by Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Uchiyama Noriko , Shindo Yasuko , Mikoshiba Hajime , Saito Hideki
Published: April 2015

A case of cutaneous infection by Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum on the middle finger of the right hand of a 58‐year‐old farmer is reported. On the extensor aspect of the distal phalanx of the middle finger, there was a pale reddish, edematous lesion with some vesicles, pustules, and an ulcer. Scrapings from the lesion showed fungal elements on direct microscopic examination, and Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum were identified on slide culture. Hyperthermia treatment with a chemical pocket warmer led to conspicuous healing of the lesion.
Microsporum ferrugineum Infection with Unusual Clinical Features
Authors: Shoji Akinobu , Kitajima Jun'ichi , Hamada Toshio
Published: April 2015

Unusual skin manifestations of a dermatophyte infection in a 30‐year‐old female were reported. These included a remarkable peripheral hyperkeratosis with central yellowish pus. The pinkish papillomatous lesions were covered with thick crusts. They gave off a foul smell. Abundant fungus elements were present in the crusts and keratotic layer. The trichophytin skin test was positive. Immunologic test results revealed that the patient had hypergammaglobulinemia with hypoalbuminemia. However, she had no edema or immunologic abnormalities. The skin lesions were successfully treated with topical miconazole cream, oral griseofulvin, and topical sulconazole cream. The etiologic agent was identified as Microsporum ferrugineum Ota 1922. It seemed to us that the unusual skin manifestation were induced by her immunological response to fungal and bacterial infection due to a long history of Candida granuloma.
Systemic Mastocytosis
Authors: Lo Wen‐Lin , Wong Chu‐Kwan
Published: April 2015

A 74‐year‐old Chinese male has had diffuse asymptomatic thickening, wrinkling, and mild hyperpigmentation of the skin with prominent skin markings and a leathery appearance over the neck, abdomen, flanks, and flexural area for forty years. Darter's sign was positive. Skin biopsy showed a dense band‐like infiltration of mast cells into the upper dermis. Mast cell infiltration into the bone marrow and liver was also proved histologically. Electron microscopic studies of the skin and liver specimens were performed. Related aspects of diffuse and systemic mastocytosis are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported Chinese case of diffuse and systemic mastocytosis in English literature. A review of the literature on systemic mastocytosis is also included.
Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans/Ashy Dermatosis
Authors: Phay Ken Lin , Goh Chee Leok
Published: April 2015

Eight patients with erythema dyschromicum perstans (ashy dermatosis) are described. The characteristic ashy macules occurred mainly on the trunk and limbs. The condition did not appear to be associated with infection or drug ingestion. Seven patients had preceding erythema before onset of ashy macules; three had urticarial eruptions associated with the early erythema. Biopsy consistently showed mild, superficial, perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration and abundant melanophages in all the patients. In five, vascuolar degeneration of the basal epidermal cells was evident. There was no evidence to suggest that the condition was associated with lichen planus. The dermatosis appeared to run a prolonged course.
Corticosteroid‐modified Tinea Faciei Simulating Rosacea
Authors: Dekio Satoshi , Imaoka Chiharu , Jidoi Joji
Published: April 2015

Tinea faciei simulating rosacea which developed after topical application of a corticosteroid ointment is described. Mycological examinations revealed that the causative organism was Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The tinea was cured by topical application of a cream containing tolciclate.
Dermatomal Pruritus of the Upper Limb: A Manifestation of Nerve Root Compression due to Degenerative Spine Disease?
Authors: Grob Jean‐Jacques , Bonerandi Jean‐Jacques
Published: April 2015

A case of pruritus and lichenification localized to a band area on the arm is reported. It is interpreted as a dermatomal pruritus due to C5‐C6 radiculitis caused by degenerative spine disease. This unusual case is compared to an other entity known as branchioradial pruritus.
Immunohistochemical Characterization of Spitz's Nevus: Differentiation from Common Melanocytic Nevus, Dysplastic Melanocytic Nevus and Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki , Maeda Kaori , Maeda Kazuo , Akutsu Yutaka , Horikoshi Takashi , Jimbow Kowichi
Published: April 2015

Recently it has been reported that Spitz's nevus possesses a deranged melanogenesis with formation of the spherical melanosomes also seen in superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) and dysplastic melanocytic nevus (DMN). To characterize the nature of Spitz's nevus, immunohistochemical studies were carried out in 9 cases of this condition using monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) which identify (a) human melanosome‐associated antigen (HMSA‐1 and HMSA‐2), (b) S‐100 protein (α and β subunits), (c) Leu‐7 (HNK‐1), (d) β2 microglobulin (B2MG), and (e) neuron specific enolase (NSE). In contrast to SSM and DMN, none of the 9 cases showed any significant reactivity with MoAbs HMSA‐1 and HMSA‐2. Similar to cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and DMN, and unlike common melanocytic nevus (CMN), anti‐S‐100 protein α subunit MoAb reacted from moderately to intensely with Spitz's nevus, and anti‐S‐100 protein β subunit MoAb reacted weakly. Anti‐B2MG MoAb was reactive with 8 of 9 cases. Only one case showed cytoplasmic reactivity to anti‐Leu‐7 MoAb. Polyclonal NSE was found in 7 cases at varying intensities. Our immunohistochemical study indicates the distinct, benign neoplastic nature of Spitz's nevus which has immunoreactivities differing from those of CMM, DMN and CMN.
Superoxide Dismutase in Epidermis: Its Relation to Keratinocyte Proliferation
Authors: Ohkuma Noritaka , Kajita Satoshi , Iizuka Hajime
Published: April 2015

Decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity has been reported in various hyperproliferative tissues. In order to elucidate the significance of SOD activity in keratinocyte proliferation, we measured the SOD activity in several pathologic epidermal conditions. The SOD activity was significantly decreased in psoriatic hyperproliferative epidermis as well as in basal cell epithelioma, squamous cell carcinoma and seborrheic keratosis.

Following tape stripping in vivo, pig epidermis revealed a marked increase in thymidine uptake and mitotic counts. The peak of the thymidine uptake was observed at 24 h, which was followed by the increased mitotic counts (peak at 48 h). The pig skin revealed a decreased epidermal SOD activity following the tape stripping. A decline of SOD activity was observed within 7 days after the tape stripping and about a 50% decrease was observed at 48 h. Epidermis is known to contain both Cu, Zn‐SOD and Mn‐SOD activities; the decreased SOD activity after tape stripping was mainly due to decreased Cu, Zn‐SOD activity without any significant alteration of Mn‐SOD activity.

Following UVB irradiation (2MED) in vivo, pig epidermis revealed decreased thymidine incorporation as well as decreased mitotic counts. Epidermal SOD activity, however, was not altered by the UVBirradiation. Pig epidermis is also known to indicate decreased cell proliferative activity in the presence of various chemicals in vitro. These modalities, which include retinoid (Ro 10‐1670), colchicine and protein synthesis inhibitors (puromycin, actinomycin D, cycloheximide), had no effect on the epidermal SOD activity.

Our results indicate that, although the decreased SOD activity appears to be comcomitant with keratinocyte hyperproliferation, no alteration of SOD activity is observed in hypoproliferative epidermis. The significance of the altered SOD activity in the regulatory mechanism of keratinocyte proliferation remains unknown at present.
Two Unusual Cases of Deep Lymphangioma
Authors: Kikuchi Ichiro , Takasaki Naoya
Published: April 2015

Two cases of deep lymphangioma which were difficult to diagnose at first examination were reported. One case was battered‐child‐like, while the other presented a progressive cystic course. The onset in both cases was at birth, and both of them presented purpura during their courses. The diagnosis and treatment of these cases were difficult and required special consideration.
Urticarial Vasculitis with Circulating Immune Complexes and Mixed Cryoglobulins: Studies of Pathogenesis
Authors: Yasue Takashi , Yasue Atsuko
Published: April 2015

A 64‐year‐old woman with urticarial vasculitis associated with mixed IgM‐IgG‐C cryoglobulinemia and circulating immune complexes developed skin lesions, which were urticaria‐like during the stages when cryoglobulinemia and hypocomplementemia were found but mimicked erythema multiforme and anaphylactoid purpura when there were no such findings. Typical leukocytoclastic vasculitis was observed in lesions of the latter type.

Granular deposits of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and complement components (Clq, C3) were found in the dermal‐epidermal junction, in the dermal blood vessel walls, and in the dermal connective tissue of the involved and uninvolved skin. IgM deposits predominated during the cryoglobulin‐positive and IgG deposits during the cryoglobulin‐negative stage of the disease. Perivascular neutrophilic infiltration and edema were observable in the uninvolved skin adjacent to the lesion. Electron microscopy revealed microtubular structures in the vascular endothelium of the involved skin.

Systemic low or moderate doses of corticosteroids (prednisolone, <20 mg/day) were not very effective but dapsone or colchicine elicited an excellent response.

Apparently, Clq precipitin, mixed IgM‐IgG cryoglobulins and IgG‐rheumatoid factor complexes are all capable of inducing urticarial vasculitis; these substances have biological activities similar to those of immune complexes.
Sebaceous Nevus with Sweat‐gland Duct Proliferation around the Suture Material
Authors: Nishitani Keiko , Kiryu Hiromaro
Published: April 2015

In a Japanese girl with sebaceous nevus, ductal structure proliferation appeared around the suture material.

An immunohistochemical study revealed that the ductal structure was of sweat‐gland origin. There has been no recurrence after 5 years.
Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy of Topical PUVA, Oral Etretinate, and Combined PUVA and Etretinate for the Treatment of Psoriasis and Development of PUVA Lentigines and Antinuclear Antibodies
Authors: Takashima Akira , Sunohara Akiyo , Matsunami Eriko , Mizuno Nobuyuki
Published: April 2015

Sixty‐two and 38 psoriatic patients were treated with topical PUVA and combined etretinate and topical PUVA (Re‐PUVA), respectively. In both groups, 50% of the patients showed initial recovery after 6 weeks and over 90% after 14 weeks. Re‐PUVA was more effective than PUVA alone in obtaining complete clearance (p<0.05). To clear psoriasis in 50% of the patients, PUVA and Re‐PUVA required 63 and 26 weeks, respectively. Furthermore, the integrated clearance rates after 70 weeks were 50% in PUVA and 63% in Re‐PUVA. Each therapy showed a similar remission period; psoriasis recurred in 50% of the patients after 4 months. In addition, 17 patients were treated with oral etretinate, and Re‐PUVA was found to be more effective than etretinate monotherapy. Another aim was to determine whether etretinate would inhibit the development of PUVA side effects. Adding etretinate failed to inhibit the production of PUVA lentigines but clearly suppressed antinuclear antibody (ANA) expression. Six of 56 patients treated with PUVA alone developed ANA during the treatment. In marked contrast (p=0.05), ANA was detected in none of 34 patients treated with Re‐PUVA.
Erythrocyte Glutathione Peroxidase Activity and Plasma Vitamin E Status in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Jain Vijay K. , Bansal Ramesh K. , Aggarwal S.K. , Chaudhary S.D. , Saini A.S.
Published: April 2015

Erythrocyte selenium dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity and plasma vitamin E levels were measured in 20 psoriatics. Psoriatics had significantly lower GSH‐Px and plasma vitamin E levels than did controls. Psoriatics were divided into three grades by the rule of nine: Grade I—less than 33% skin involvement, Grade II—33‐66%, and Grade III—over 66% skin involvement. Grade III psoriatics showed much lower values of GSH‐Px and plasma vitamin E, showing a definite correlation with the percentage of surface area involved.
The Intra‐cellular Location of Disulfide‐bond‐rich Particles
Authors: Tezuka Tadashi , Takahashi Masae , Miyamoto Hiroyasu
Published: April 2015

Four micron cryostat sections of three‐day‐old rat skin were fixed in 98% ethanol at −20°C for 4 minutes. These sections were preincubated in 10mM phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4, containing 10mM 2‐mercaptoethanol at 37°C for 30 minutes and washed thoroughly in the same buffer. After all the free sulfhydryl groups were blocked with N‐ethylmaleimide and disulfide bonds were again reduced with 2‐mercaptoethanol, the section was reacted with 7‐(N‐dimethylamino‐4‐methyl‐3‐coumarinyl) maleimide. Many minute fluorescent particles were seen in the stratum granulosum of the epidermis, especially of the acrotrichium. Cryostat sections containing an acrotrichium were fixed again in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and embedded in Epon. Thin sections were examined under the electron microscope. The location of the disulfide bond‐rich particles around an acrotrichium was examined and compared with the location of these fluorescent particles. These disulfide‐bond‐rich particles were found to be low electron dense particles 0.3 to 0.7 μm in diameter located in or around the keratohyalin granules.
Giant Nevus Lipomatosus Superficialis Associated with Cavernous Hemangioma
Authors: Hann Seung Kyung , Yang Dong Soon , Lee Seung Hun
Published: April 2015

We report a case of NLS that was unusual. Many nodules coalesced to form a giant cerebriform mass and a large plaque confined to the back where comedo‐like plugs were present on the surface. Histopathologic examination of the cerebriform mass showed mature ectopic adipose tissue and cavernous hemangioma in the dermis.
Aminoisobutyric Acid Uptake in Normal and Transformed Human Epidermal Keratinocytes
Authors: Verrando Patrick , Ortonne Jean‐Paul
Published: April 2015

α‐Aminoisobutyric acid transport has been demonstrated in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes as well as in the transformed state of these cells. The concentrative uptake is sodium‐dependent and may be ascribed to one Michaelis‐Menten component whose maximal velocity is 6.9 nmol/min × 106 cells, with an apparent affinity of 3.8 mM. These parameters may be modified, depending upon the nature of malignant transformation. In SVK14 SV40‐virus‐transformed cells, there is no change of affinity but the maximal velocity is 1.5 fold less than in normal cells. In the spontaneous epidermoid carcinoma‐derived A431 line, this phenomenon is inverted; the maximal velocity is unmodified but the system affinity is 2.2‐fold higher than in normal cells. The unresponsiveness of this transport system to insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) shows that it behaves differently from those of many other cell types.
Comparison of Serum Gastrin Levels during Topical and Systemic Administration of Corticosteroids
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Itoh Tadao , Shimao Shuhei
Published: April 2015

Serum gastrin levels did not change during topical corticosteroid therapy with an experimental dose of 20 to 60 g/day for seven consecutive days, and serum 11‐hydroxycorticosteroid levels were significantly suppressed during the treatment. On the other hand, after daily oral administration of 1.5 mg/day betamethasone for seven consecutive days in volunteers who had fasted overnight, serum gastrin levels were higher and 11‐hydroxycorticosteroid levels were significantly lower.

Fasting serum gastrin levels were significantly increased in rats after intraperitoneal administration of prednisolone at dosages of 2, 10, 20, or 50 mg/kg/day, but they were not significantly altered after the administration of prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg/day. Serum gastrin levels were not significantly altered in man or rats after the administration of a histamine H1 receptor antagonist. Therefore, serum gastrin levels are apparently not influenced by topical corticosteroid treatment although they are altered after systemic corticosteroid administration.
Combination of Photochemotherapy (PUVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Park Yoon‐Kee , Kim Hyung Joo , Koh Young Jin
Published: April 2015

Nineteen patients with psoriasis vulgaris were treated with a combination of psoralen‐ultraviolet A (PUVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) on the right side of their bodies and with PUVA therapy alone on the left side. Herein is an analysis of the results. There were no significant differences in the mean number of treatments, the mean UVA dose at clearing, or the mean cumulative UVA dose between the PUVA‐UVB side and the PUVA side. However, in 4 cases, the PUVA‐UVB side cleared more rapidly than the PUVA side. Interestingly, patients who received PUVA‐UVB on one side and PUVA on the other required fewer treatments, a lower ultraviolet (UV) dose at clearing, and a lower cumulative UV dose than did patients who were treated with only PUVA monotherapy or UVB monotherapy, following the same protocol.

This combined method may be useful in the treatment of chronic psoriatic patients, because of rapid clearing and a marked reduction in the total cumulative UV radiation. However, further follow‐up studies are indicated due to the long‐term side effects of combined UV radiation.
Follicular Mucinosis: Response to Indomethacin
Authors: Kodama Hajime , Umemura Shigeo , Nohara Nozomi
Published: April 2015

A patient with follicular mucinosis was treated topically and orally with indomethacin. He had generalized plaques and grouped follicular papules but no signs of cutaneous lymphoma. The skin lesions responded favorably to topical application. Oral administration produced a dramatic improvement. No recurrence has been seen for 5 years after stopping the treatment.
Eosinophil Chemotactic Activity of Collagen‐derived Fragments
Authors: Isoda Midori
Published: April 2015

Eosinophil and neutrophil chemotactic activities of some collagens and their collagenase‐digested fragments were measured by using a Boyden chamber method. Fragments released from bovine dermal collagen and type III collagen derived from calf skin showed chemotactic activity for guinea pig eosinophils in a dose‐dependent manner, but collagen itself did not. Fragments released from bovine dermal collagen also showed chemotactic activity for human neutrophils. Gel filtration study indicated that some sizes of this collagenase‐digested fragments had chemotactic activities for eosinophils.

These results suggest that collagen‐derived fragments may play a role in tissue eosinophilia in some inflammatory lesions.
Trace Element Analyses in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Authors: Kanzaki Tamotsu , Matsuno Takashi , Kamimura Kimio , Miyazawa Shichiro , Nishiyama Shigeo
Published: April 2015

The dermis and sera of 11 patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) were analyzed by several techniques which test for the presence and quantity of trace elements (Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd, Al, S, K, Cl, Ca and P). The investigative methods included 1) electron microscopic point X‐ray microanalysis, 2) inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometric analysis (ICP‐AES), 3) X‐ray diffraction analysis and/or 4) atomic absorption spectro‐photometric analysis. 1) Among 7 specimens of dermis showing histological degeneration of the elastic fibers, 2 showed prominent levels of A1. In early degeneration of the elastic fibers, Ca was present in only small amounts; however, in more fully developed lesions, large quantities of both Ca and P were found, while Fe, Co, Ma and Zn were detected in trace amounts. 2) ICP‐AES analysis confirmed large deposits of Al, Ca, and P in diseased dermis (Al: 32.1 ppm wet tissue); other elements were found in normal quantities. Al was not detected in the control dermis. 3) X‐ray diffraction analysis suggested the pattern of hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2], which indicates that most of the Ca exists in a crystalline form. 4) Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis confirmed a large concentration of Al (11–21 μg/dl, mean=17.2; normal <10) in all test patient's sera. The combined analysis revealed an increased amount of Al in patient's sera as well as in the elastic fibers of the dermis at an early stage of this disease (PXE). These findings suggest a possible role for Al in the pathogenesis of PXE.
Malignant Melanoma in Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Rokiah , Meng Looi Lai
Published: April 2015

This paper reviews the malignant melanomas seen at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, over a period of twelve years. During this period, there were twenty‐three cases of histologically proven malignant melanoma. Data from the case records was studied and analysed. Nineteen cases had primary cutaneous malignant melanoma; of these, eight had a history of recent onset, while the rest had pre‐existing moles.

The largest number of cases (14) was seen at the surgical unit. In terms of ethnic distribution, the Chinese constituted the largest group (16 cases); three were Indians, one Malay, one Orang Asli (Malay Aborigine) and two Caucasians. All age groups above eighteen years were affected and there was a male to female ratio of 1.3:1.

Biopsy specimens were blocked in paraffin. The stains used were hematoxylin and eosin and Masson‐Fontana. Of the cutaneous melanomas, nodular melanoma had the highest incidence of metastases at the time of biopsy. One notable feature was the poor lymphoplasmacytic response to these tumors. Prognosis was worse in nodular melanomas with an invasive level of 3 and beyond and tumor thickness of more than 4 mm.
A Keratotic Variant of Malignant Trichilemmoma
Authors: Tokura Yoshiki , Koide Masayo , Takigawa Masahiro , Yamada Mizuho
Published: April 2015

Atypical changes were found in the lesional epidermal cells of a case of follicular tumor with massive horny material. Our case seemed to represent a keratotic variant of malignant trichilemmoma.
Sarcoid Reactions in a Patient with Congenital Syphilis
Authors: Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Nakayama Keiji , Imai Toshiya , Ito Fumiyuki , Nishihara Kiyoshi
Published: April 2015

A case of sarcoid reactions in a patient with congenital syphilis was reported. The eruptions appeared on the upper extremities and disappeared within 10 days after biopsy. Histological findings were compatible with those of subcutaneous sarcoidosis. The patient also had so‐called Hutchinson's teeth, rhagades of the lips, corneal scars and eighth nerve deafness.
Genital Paget's Disease: A Transmission‐, Scanning‐, and Immuno‐electron Microscopic Study
Authors: Miyamoto Toru , Mihara Motoyuki , Ishihara Masahiko , Hagari Yoshitaka , Shimao Shuhei
Published: April 2015

A case of genital Paget's disease examined by a transmission‐, scanning‐, and immuno‐electron microscopy was reported. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicated that Paget cells had the characteristic features of glandular cells. In immunoelectron microscopy, carcinoembryonic antigen was found on the entire plasma membrane of Paget cells. Therefore, these observations may support the viewpoint that Paget cells are neoplasmic glandular cells.
Experimental Chronic Dermatophytosis in Human Skin Grafted to Nude Mouse: Inoculation of Trichophytons and Histopathological Evaluation
Authors: Kakutani Hiroyuki , Takahashi Shin‐ya
Published: April 2015

Two strains of T. rubrum and one strain of T. mentagrophytes were inoculated into human skin grafted onto BALB/c nude mice by the needle puncture method. Infection was established in 1 of the 10 animals inoculated with fluffy colony type T. rubrum, 2 of the 10 animals inoculated with powdery colony type T. rubrum, and 7 of the 10 animals inoculated with granular colony type T. mentagrophytes, suggesting that the skin grafts are infectible by anthropophilic and zoophilic strains of dermatophytes. T. rubrum infection continued for a maximum of 9 weeks and T. mentagrophytes infection for more than 11 weeks. In the animals inoculated with T. mentagrophytes, fungal elements were localized in the stratum corneum of the human skin grafts. In the acute stage, microabscesses consisting of neutrophils were observed under the stratum corneum in contact with fungal elements; in the chronic stage, epidermal thickening and infiltration, mainly consisting of histiocytes and a smaller number of lymphocytes, was noted in the upper and middle dermis. Ultrastructural findings from the parasites were similar to those of dermatophytosis in man. This experimental system should be useful as a model of chronic dermatophyte infection in the human skin.
Monocyte‐modulating Activities in the Sera of Patients with Granuloma Annulare
Authors: Baba Toru , Yamaguchi Koji , Hoshino Minoru , Uyeno Kenichi
Published: April 2015

Studies were performed to determine whether the sera of the patients with granuloma annulare had monocyte modulating activities. As indicators of monocyte modulation, spreading and aggregation were used. As a control, similar experiments were performed on pooled normal human sera. Normal human monocytes were incubated with either test sera or control sera. The percentage of spread cells was estimated at 6 hr of incubation and that of aggregated cells was estimated at 24 hr of incubation. The percentage of spread cells and aggregated cells in the monocytes incubated with granuloma annulare sera was higher than that of the cells incubated with pooled normal human sera. Thus, granuloma annulare sera may have a greater ability to induce monocytes to spread and aggregate than do normal human sera.
Whole Mount Technique: An Improved Hamster Ear Model to Evaluate Pharmacologic Effects on Sebaceous Glands
Authors: Motoyoshi Katsuhiro
Published: April 2015

An improved and simplified hamster ear model (whole mount technique; WMT) is described. Excised ear skin specimens were incubated in 2N NaBr at 37°C for 2 hours, yielding a sheet of dermis with the sebaceous glands attached. After Sudan III staining, the areas of the sebaceous glands in the sheet were measured with an image analyzing system. The ratios of a mean area of androgen‐stimulated sebaceous glands/a mean area of non‐treated sebaceous glands (AS/NT) were 2.56 in females and 1.69 in males; these results closely resemble AS/NT ratios found in histological sagittal sections. Over 1.0% concentrations of topically applied cyproterone acetate were highly effective in suppressing the proliferation of sebaceous glands in androgen‐stimulated hamsters, as measured by WMT. Since no routinely processed histological sections are necessary and the exact size of a whole sebaceous gland can be obtained by WMT, this method seems to be useful for routine work to assess the efficacy of topically applied anti‐comedogenic or anti‐lipogenic drugs.
Study of the Skin of a New Hairless Rat Mutant
Authors: Hanada Katsumi , Chiyoya Shigehito , Suzuki Kenji , Hashimoto Isao , Hatayama Ichiro
Published: April 2015

Histological and immunological examinations were performed on the skin of a newly established strain of hairless rat (Hirosaki hairless rat; HHR). The appearance of the mutant rat skin was marked by resembles to human skin with wrinkles and scarce vellus hair. The presence of scattered dilated follicular cysts in the mid‐dermis was the most predominant microscopic change. Electron microscopically, some of the basal cells contained many oval organelles in the cytoplasm, although their role was not clear. Langerhans cells were observed, but melanocytes were lacking in the epidermis. Immunofluorescence technique demonstrated Ia‐positive cells (presumably Langerhans cells) in epidermal sheets from the soles of the mutants, which also developed contact sensitivity to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). HHRs may be a useful experimental model for studies of allergic as well as nonallergic dermatitis requiring gross observation and wrinkled skin.
Echographic Studies of Superficial Lymphadenopathies
Authors: Miyauchi Shunji , Murakami Shinji , Miki Yoshiharu
Published: April 2015

Superficial lymphadenopathies were examined by sector B‐mode echography using a 5 or 10 MHz transducer and compared with microscopic sections. A total of 54 lymph nodes in the inguinal, cervical or axillary regions was studied in 54 patients; the primary skin lesions were benign in 35 and malignant in 19 of these patients.

Histologically verified and non‐verified, reactive lymphadenopathies showed echolucent nodes with central or medullary echoes; the attenuation of the sensitivity was under 10 decibels (dB). Histologically, the medullary echo corresponded to the medulla of the lymph node and the echolucent zone to the cortex. Tuberculous lymphadenitis, hyalinized, severe fibrosis from foreign body granuloma, and squamous cell carcinoma nests showed irregular, cortical echoes at 0 to 5 dB. Total replacement of the lymph node by the metastases of malignant melanoma or malignant lymphoma showed echolucent nodes without internal echoes, even at 0 dB.
Multiple Mixed Tumor (Pleomorphic Adenoma): A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Nakayama Keiji , Ito Fumiyuki , Furuya Kiyohisa
Published: April 2015

A case of a 72‐year‐old man with multiple mixed tumor (pleomorphic adenoma) with its clinicopathological study was reported. In this patient, the first tumor appeared in the right parotid gland area of his right maxillary region at the age of 20. After resection of the primary tumor, the tumor recurred at the same site; he was operated on 2 more times at the ages of 21 and 45. Additionally, other new tumors appeared on the skin of the right ear lobe at the age of 48 and on the right temporal region at the age of 51. The most recent tumor reappeared in his right parotid gland area at the age of 60.

All the tumors were examined by light microscope and electron microscope and the diagnosis of multiple mixed tumor (pleomorphic adenoma) was established.
Acid Cholesterol Esterase Activity in the Foam Cells Isolated from Rabbit Experimental Xanthoma Tissues
Authors: Kodama Hajime , Nagao Yo , Arakawa Kenzo , Akiyama Hisanori , Akagi Osamu , Nohara Nozomi
Published: April 2015

Acid cholesterol esterase (ACE) activity was assayed in the 10,000×g pellet from infiltrating cells isolated from experimental rabbit xanthoma tissues. Skin specimens were obtained from sites of intradermal dextran sulfate injections on a normolipemic rabbit (NLR) and a diet‐induced hypercholesterolemic rabbit (HCR). Most infiltrating cells were histiocytes or foam cells. Histiocytes from the NLR did not accumulate cholesteryl esters after the injections. Accumulation of cholesteryl esters in the xanthoma tissues of the HCR increased after repeating the injections at the same site. The ACE activity was greater in the cholesteryl ester‐accumulated foam cells than in histiocytes. The enzyme activity in the foam cells decreased during the developmental course of cholesteryl ester accumulation. These findings indicate that lysosomal ACE is activated and hydrolyzes the internalized cholesteryl esters of serum lipoprotein origin in the histiocytes which are transforming into foam cells. However, the enzyme activity decreases when too much of the cholesteryl esters has accumulated in the foam cells.
Simultaneous Evaluations of 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Receptors in Fresh Layers of Epidermis and Dermis from Normal Rat Skin
Authors: Imanaka Shunji , Morimoto Shigeto , Onishi Toshio , Okada Natsuko , Kozuka Takehito , Kitano Yukio , Yoshikawa Kunihiko
Published: April 2015

The 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25‐(OH)2D3] receptors in fresh layers of rat epidermis and dermis were compared after separation of the two layers by treatment with dispase. After 18 h treatment with 500 U/ml dispase, the epidermal sheet was easily peeled from the dermis with forceps, without dissociation of keratinocytes. The cytotoxicity of dispase was very low. A specific binding protein for 1,25‐(OH)2D3, with a sedimentation coefficient of 3.2 S on a sucrose density gradient, was demonstrated in both layers of fresh rat skin. Scatchard analyses of cytosol binding to the hormone gave affinity constants of 0.09 ± 0.06 (mean ± SE) nM and 0.38 ±0.19 nM and binding capacities of 17.5 ± 0.5 and 14.5 ± 3.0 fmol/mg protein for the epidermis and dermis, respectively. This procedure allows simultaneous determinations of the receptor statuses of the epidermis and dermis from the same skin sample under various conditions.
Effect of Cepharanthin on Superoxide Anion (O2–) Production by Macrophages
Authors: Sawamura Daisuke , Sato Shizuo , Suzuki Mariko , Nomura Kazuo , Hanada Katsumi , Hashimoto Isao
Published: April 2015

Our previous report showed the inhibitory action of cepharanthin on oxygen‐derived free radical production by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). In the present study, we examined the effects of cepharanthin on production of superoxide anion (O2–), one oxygen radical, by macrophages in vitro and in vivo.

Phorbol myristate acetate‐induced O2– production by mouse peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), whose constituent cell types were identified as macrophages, lymphocytes, and PMN (75, 20, and less than 5%, respectively), was measured by ferricytochrome C reduction assay. Superoxide anion production by PEC, which depended mainly on the macrophage component, was inhibited 34% by 5 μg/ml cepharanthin and 85% by 50 μg/ml. These results indicate that cepharanthin suppresses O2– production by macrophages as well as by PMN. The fact that no inhibition of O2– by a xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system was observed indicates that cepharanthin is not a scavenger of O2–.

Carrageenan‐induced paw edema is due to the activity of macrophages. Participation of O2– and other oxygen radicals is implicated in this edema, because the swelling is inhibited by administration of superoxide dismutase. The effects of cepharanthin on O2– production by macrophages was examined using this experimental system in mice. However, no significant inhibition of the edema by cepharanthin was observed.
A Case of Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus of the Vulva Effectively Treated with Oral Etretinate
Authors: Yokota Michiko , Mizuno Nobuyuki
Published: April 2015

A 51‐year‐old female had been suffering from itching of the external genitalia and soreness on urination for one year. Swelling, leukokeratosis and erosion on the external genitalia had been seen for six months. Her clinical findings and symptoms improved markedly after eight months administration of oral etretinate (50–10 mg/day, total dose 6,080 mg).

Histologically, reappearance of the rete ridges, rearrangement of squamous cells, disappearance of hydropic degeneration of basal cells, dilated lymph capillaries and dense lymphoid cell infiltration in the middermis were prominent findings after treatment.
Unusual Clinical Manifestations of Cutaneous Tuberculosis
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Srivastava Govind , Ahuja Poonam , Koranne Ravindra V. , Sharma Vinay K.
Published: April 2015

Two unusual patients with multifocal guttate tuberculosis verrucosa cutis and necklace lupus vulgaris are described. An endeavour was made to explain these manifestations through percentages of T‐lymphocytes T4 and T8 in the peripheral blood. Mantoux tests indicating cell‐mediated immunity were strongly positive in both cases; leucocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) values were, however, relatively low. The latter result also indicates good cell‐mediated immunity.
Trichophytic Granuloma Associated with Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Ueda‐Furukawa Mikiko , Kitano Yukio , Hashimoto Koji
Published: April 2015

A 69‐year‐old Japanese man developed multiple nodular granulomatous cutaneous lesions caused by Trichophyton rubrum during treatment of bullous pemphigoid. One and a half months after the initiation of oral corticosteroid therapy, the lesions appeared. He had suffered from tinea pedis for several decades. Oral ketoconazole was given for 6 weeks with remarkable improvement. Trichophytic granuloma is a rare but important complication of bullous pemphigoid.
Pigmented Macules in Patients Treated with Systemic 5‐Fluorouracil
Authors: Cho Kwang Hyun , Chung Jin Ho , Lee Ai Young , Lee Yoo Shin , Kim Noe Kyung , Kim Chul Woo
Published: April 2015

Pigmented macules were observed in 72 (52.6%) out of 137 patients treated with systemic 5‐fluorouracil. These pigmented macules usually appeared on the palms and the soles. Their incidence seemed to be proportional to the number of chemotherapy cycles. Histological studies showed a slight increase in melanin pigmentation in the epidermis without any change in the melanocyte number. This suggests that the melanocytes already present produced quantities of melanin.
Electrophoretic Mobility of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes Response to Scale Extracts from Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Higuchi Mitsunari
Published: April 2015

The cell electrophoretic mobility of polymorphonuclear leukocyte responses to scale extracts from psoriasis vulgaris and other dermatoses (callus and pompholyx) was determined by analytical free‐flow cell electrophoresis technique. Incubation with scale extracts from psoriasis significantly reduced the electrophoretic mobility of polymorphonuclear leukocytes compared with those from callus and pompholyx; ultrafiltrated scale extracts separated 10,000–30,000 d showed the highest reduction. Pretreatment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with etretinate in vitro blocked reduction of the cell electrophoretic mobility. It is concluded that psoriatic scale extracts contain factor(s) which reduce the charge density of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and that this reduction is inhibited by etretinate pretreatment.
Phorbol Ester Decreases Cytosolic Retinoic Acid Binding Protein (CRABP) Capacity in Normal but not Psoriatic Epidermis
Authors: Junquero Didier , Basset‐Seguin Nicole , Modat Guy , Levy Chantal , Guilhou Jean‐Jacques , Bonne Claude
Published: April 2015

The retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP) characterized in human epidermal cytosol exhibits a three‐fold increased binding capacity in lesional psoriatic epidermis as compared to normal or uninvolved skin. Treatment of epidermal homogenate from normal subjects by phorbol ester + ATP decreases the specific binding capacity of CRABP without affecting its dissociation constant (Kd=10 nM). The same effect was not observed in involved and uninvolved psoriatic epidermis. These results could be related to the previously reported decreased protein kinase C activity in psoriatic skin. They also suggest that posttranslational events could be responsible for pathological and pharmacological variations in CRABP binding capacity.
Bullous Pemphigoid of Childhood: Immunofluorescent Investigation
Authors: Tamaki Kunihiko , Igarashi Atsuyuki , Nakamura Koh‐ichiro , Nashiro Kiyoko , Okochi Hitoshi , Seki Yoshihito , Tsuchida Tetsuya
Published: April 2015

A four‐month‐old Japanese girl with bullous pemphigoid of childhood (BPC) was reported. The characteristics of BPC antigen were studied by immunofluorescent technique using the serum of this patient with variously treated normal human skin as substrate. This study showed that her BPC antigen was quite similar to bullous pemphigoid antigen seen in adult patients and that this BPC antigen was differed from epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) antigen.
Lichenoid Eruption due to Mercaptopropionylglycine
Authors: Kawabe Yoko , Mizuno Nobuyuki , Yoshikawa Kunihiko , Matsumoto Yoshifuji
Published: April 2015

Two patients with lichenoid eruption due to mercaptopropionylglycine (MPG) are reported. Case 1 was a 63‐year‐old woman, who developed a pruritic eruption after oral ingestion of MPG 600 mg/day for a month and a half. The clinicopathological findings were a lichenoid reaction. She also showed diffuse alopecia, which has not been reported as a side effect of this drug. Case 2 was a 71‐year‐old man who developed discoid lupus erythematosus‐like lesions after oral MPG 200 mg/day for two months, but the histological findings were a lichenoid reaction. In both patients, the lesions disappeared rapidly after discontinuing the drug. The eruption was reproduced by readministrating MPG in case 1. The skin reaction in both patients seemed to be the cell‐mediated immune reaction to MPG.
Viral Activity in Skin Lesions of Herpes Zoster
Authors: Hata Seiichiro , Sugai Tetsuro , Asoh Satsuki , Asada Yasuo , Nishijima Setsuko , Soh Yoshiro , Doi Akira , Baba Koichi
Published: April 2015

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) was isolated in 41 of 53 (77%) patients with herpes zoster on the first to ninth days after the rash. The isolation rate was highest on the early days, as high as 86% on days one and two of rash, and gradually decreased to the ninth day; the isolation rate depended more upon the condition of skin lesions than the days of illness. The high viral activity in the rash proves its important role as the source of VZV infections and the reliability of virus isolation for the diagnosis of herpes zoster.
Sweet's Syndrome in a Patient with Basedow's Disease
Authors: Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Nakayama Keiji , Imai Toshiya , Ihara Chihiro , Ootani Atsuko
Published: April 2015

A case of Sweet's syndrome in a patient with Basedow's disease was reported. The painful eruptions appeared on the face, trunk, and extremities, associated with high fever. The patient also had the laboratory findings of Basedow's disease. The mechanism of the co‐occurrence of Sweet's syndrome and Basedow's disease was discussed.
The Substrate of Epidermal Proteases
Authors: Takahashi Masae , Tezuka Tadashi
Published: April 2015

In newborn rat skin, disulfide bonds exist in the cell membrane of the stratum corneum and in the cytoplasm of the stratum granulosum. However, in the latter region, they can be detected after ethanol fixed epidermis remains for 2 weeks at 4°C. Thus, the idea arose that the visualization of the disulfide bonds in the stratum granulosum may be caused by proteases. Therefore, the in situ effects by both activation and inhibition of epidermal proteases were examined in tissue sections. Cryostat sections which were fixed in cold ethanol (—20°C, 98%) were incubated either in PBS, pH 7.4, containing 10mM 2‐ME as a control or in an epidermal homogenate (15,000×g supernatant fraction containing 2‐ME) at 37°C for 30 minutes and 4 hours, respectively, in order to activate the epidermal proteases and then reacted with NEM, 2‐ME, and DACM in steps. Many minute fluorescent particles were seen in the stratum granulosum under both of the above conditions. However, with incubation in PBS without 2‐ME, no fluorescent particles were seen. In addition, when the tissue was treated with NEM and zinc chloride before incubation, no fluorescent particles were seen. O‐phenanthrolin remarkably inhibited the appearance of these fluorescent particles. In contrast, leupeptin and antipain only slightly inhibited the appearance of these fluorescent particles, and pepstatin and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride didn't inhibit at all. In general, as NEM and zinc chloride strongly inhibit thiol proteases, these findings suggest that presence of the minute fluorescent particles in the stratum granulosum could be due to the effects of proteases, especially thiol proteases.
Hyperthermic Effects In vitro on the Peripheral Lymphocytes Isolated from Three Cases of Malignant Lymphoma/Leukemia
Authors: Nakayama Juichiro , Higuchi Rie , Kabemura Mayumi , Kiryu Hiromaro , Takenaka Akira , Hori Yoshiaki
Published: April 2015

We have carried out in vitro studies of hyperthermic effects on the viability, blastogenesis, and ultrastructural changes of atypical lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of three patients with malignant lymphoma/leukemia. One was lymphocytic lymphoma/leukemia (T‐cell origin), and the others were adult T‐cell lymphoma/leukemia (both acute and smoldering type). In the cases of adult T‐cell lymphoma/leukemia, the peripheral lymphocytes were found to be more sensitive to hyperthermia than those of non‐ATL patients in terms of trypan‐blue exclusion ability and blastogenesis ability with concanavalin A challenge. When heated under sublethal conditions, lymphocytes of both ATL and non‐ATL patients exhibited the following characteristics: production of multilayered nuclear membranes, increase in vesicles (lysosomes), swelling of mitochondria, and cytoplasmic vacuolization.