bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Bowen's Disease Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ismail Rokiah , Cheng Peh Suat
Published: April 2015

This paper reports a 50‐year‐old man with multiple Bowen's disease who subsequently developed squamous cell carcinoma.

He had a possible history of chronic arsenical ingestion through drinking contaminated well water at a young age. The rain drop appearance of depigmented spots on the body and the warty hyperkeratosis on the palms and soles are manifestations of chronic arsenical ingestion.
Griseofulvin‐induced Photodermatitis
Authors: Kojima Takayuki , Hasegawa Takashi , Ishida Hisae , Fujita Masaru , Okamoto Shoji
Published: April 2015

Six Japanese cases of griseofulvin (GF)‐induced photodermatitis were reported. All of the patients had received GF from 4 days to 4 months as treatment for tinea unguium. Clinical features were basically eczematous, but differed somewhat case by case. Patient 2 showed pigmentation and depigmentation and patient 5 showed pellagra‐like eruptions. From the clinical view, we could not differentiate precisely between phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. The difference may also depend on response severity, duration of skin eruption, or skin color. Blood and urine porphyrins were within normal ranges. An action spectrum study revealed that UVA was responsible for eliciting a photosensitivity reaction. Patch and photopatch tests were performed on all 6 patients. The results of the photopatch tests were positive for 3 patients and negative for the other 3. The degrees of reaction to photopatch tests differed so widely that it was difficult to determine suitable conditions for UVA intensity or GF concentrations for photopatch testing. Moreover, half of the patients showed negative photopatch tests. Although there is merit in the use of photopatch tests for studying the causes of systemically administered drug‐induced photodermatitis, there may also be limits to their usage. When performed carefully, drug readministration is a more reliable method. From the results of positive photopatch tests, photocross reactions between GF and penicillin, persistent light reactions and distant flare up phenomena, we concluded that in some of our cases, reactions were photoallergic. Histological findings showed non‐specific inflammatory changes. Direct immunofluorescence studies showed that immunoglobulin and complement were deposited at papillary perivascular areas and the dermo‐epidermal junction.
Polarization Assay Studies of Human Neutrophil Motility
Authors: Tsuda Shingo , Miyasato Minoru , Iryo Kayoko , Sasai Yoichiro
Published: April 2015

The polarization assay was used to assess the effects of chemoattractants on neutrophil motility by means of cellular configuration. The addition of N‐formyl‐L‐methionyl‐phenylalanine (f‐Met‐Phe) to a neutrophil suspension from human peripheral blood induced a polarized change in cellular configuration, and the ratio of such transfiguration reached a maximum at 10–8 to 10–6 M of f‐Met‐Phe. The polarized configuration appeared 1 min after addition of f‐Met‐Phe and showed its maximum response at 10 min. The number of polarized cells were decreased after exposure to cytochalasin B or incubating with corticosteroid. The increased response of random polarization was induced in a dose‐dependent fashion by ascorbic acid. Tetracycline HCl did not cause any changes in cell shape at any concentrations examined. This assay can be used to examine patients with depressed neutrophil motility, such as those with systemic lupus erythematosus in the active phase and a severe case of atopic dermatitis.
Administration of IgG Fraction of Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita (EBA) Serum into Mice
Authors: Shigemoto Takashi , Nashiro Kiyoko , Tsuchida Tetsuya , Seki Yoshihito , Tamaki Kunihiko
Published: April 2015

In order to study the pathogenic role of autoantibodies in the serum of EBA patients, we tried to induce EBA lesions in mice by administration of the IgG fraction of EBA serum via the intraperitoneal (i.p.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) routes into neonatal or adult mice. We also tried to induce EBA lesions in fetuses by intravenous (i.v.) injection of EBA serum into pregnant mice.

This study demonstrates that IgG fraction of EBA serum injected into neonatal or adult mice, but not into fetal mice, deposits at the epidermo‐dermal junction in a linear fashion but fails to induce bullae. The role of EBA serum in the pathogenesis of EBA lesions is discussed.
Autoantibodies to Vimentin‐type Intermediate Filament in Patients with Progressive Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Tsuneda Yoriko , Kitajima Yasuo , Mori Shunji
Published: April 2015

Using immunoblotting techniques, sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) and from normal individuals were tested for the presence of antibodies to the intermediate filament protein (vimentin) of the cytoskeleton of human fibroblasts. Antibodies to vimentin were found in sera from both patients and normal controls. By the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using vimentin purified from cultured human skin fibroblasts, we determined the titer of the antibodies in PSS (50 cases), and SLE (8 cases), and normal sera (48 cases). Significantly higher titers of anti‐vimentin auto‐antibodies were detected in the patient sera than in normal controls. According to the titers, the cases of PSS were divided into two groups: one with titers higher than the range of normal controls, and another with titers within the range of normal controls. The relationships of the titers to the clinical features were examined. No significant correlations between anti‐vimentin titer and clinical characteristics were found with regard to sex, onset‐age, duration of the disease, lung involvement, proximal scleroderma, or titers of anti‐nuclear, anti‐RNP, anti‐Scl‐70, anti‐centromere and anti‐DNA‐antibodies.
A Trial of Acupuncture for Progressive Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Maeda Manabu , Ichiki Yoshiro , Sumi Atsushi , Mori Shunji
Published: April 2015

Thirty four cases of PSS were treated once or twice a week by a low frequency electrical acupuncture method for periods of 3 months to 9 years and 2 months. On clinically worse side of arm, two meredian points, Hatija and Shokai , were used for the electrical stimulation. As the result, various degrees of improvement were obtained in ulcerations on the fingertips or toetips, arthralgia, cutaneous sclerosis, hypo‐ and hyperpigmentation and sensory disturbance etc. and in respiratory functions, plethysmography, capillary microscopic features of the nail bed and histopathologic features biopsied from the forearms. Laboratory data showed remarkable improvement in the inflammatory reactions. However, the improvement in immune reactions was poor paralleling the poorness of clinical improvement and prognosis.
Case Report and Study of Collagen Metabolism in Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome Type II
Authors: Kojima Takayuki , Shinkai Hiroshi , Fujita Masaru , Morita Eiji , Okamoto Shoji
Published: April 2015

A case report on a 41‐year‐old Japanese woman with prominent features of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome is presented.

At birth, the patient was noted to have moderate hyperlastic skin and hypermobility of the joints, especially those of the hands and fingers. She bruised easily, formed purpura, and had cigarette paper scars. From the age of 38, she became aware of palpitation, dyspnea and easy fatigue on exertion; examination showed mitral insufficiency. Mitral‐valve prolapse was revealed by echocardiogram and CT echogram. Upper G‐I series of X‐ray revealed duodenum diverticula. At the age of 42, she was operated for mitral valve replacement. From the clinical features she was dignosed as having Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome type II. Tissue sections stained with H‐E showed a few, fine, disorderly arranged collagen fibers. Electron microscopically, the diameter of individual collagen fibrils was rather more varied than that in normal skin, but the average diameter was within the normal range. In longitudinal sections, no apparent abnormal findings could be observed.

Cultured dermal fibroblasts from the patient synthesized pro alpha 1 trimer of type I collagen but failed to secrete type III procollagen or pro alpha 2 chain of type I collagen. Affected cells were stained with antibodies against type I and type III collagen. Specific fluorescences against type I collagen were observed and very faint positive results against type III collagen were seen. These studies indicate that secreted altered type I procollagens that are synthesized can result in the clinical syndrome of our case.
Pigmented Neurofibroma
Authors: Jurecka Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

A 24‐year‐old male patient suffering from a large‐coconut‐sized neurofibroma is described. In the tumor, sharply demarcated areas of melanin containing cells were seen. These cells were identified as melanin producers by the premelanosomes seen by electron microscope. Although the coexistence of neurofibroma with another melanin‐producing tumor, such as cellular blue nevus, could not be ruled out, this tumor shows the close relationship between tumors of the peripheral nervous system and melanocytic malformations or pigmented nevi. These observations are relevant to the controversy over the histiogenesis of these pigmented lesions and support Masson's view that nerve sheath cells are capable of melanogenesis.
Haematoxylin Stainable Epidermal Protein of the Newborn Rat
Authors: Takahashi Masae , Tezuka Tadashi
Published: April 2015

A polyclonal antibody elicited by a newly purified haematoxylin stainable protein (HSP) from newborn rat epidermis by Superose 12 column chromatography and Mono Q anion‐exchange column chromatography showed localization in the cell membrane region of the stratum corneum cells of the flank skin and the foot pad skin of newborn rats, but not of adult rats in indirect immunofluorescent studies. In addition, although the stratum corneum of neither the fetal flank nor the foot pad skin (20th day of gestation) reacted with the antibody, both of them became positive shortly after birth (5 hours). However, the positive areas in the stratum corneum of the foot pad skin gradually moved to the upper part. Only the upper one third was positive at the 15th day after birth and the entire stratum corneum finally became negative in the adult. By immunoblotting technique, antigenic materials were detected in the fetal flank and foot pad skins, and in the adult foot pad skin, but not in the flank skin of adults. In immunofluorescent studies, neither the cornified nor non‐cornified epithelia of the oral membrane, tongue, esophagus, trachea or bladder of the newborn rats (3‐days old) reacted with this antibody. In studies of the reactivity of the stratum corneum of the other species, the outer one third of the stratum corneum of the flank skin of newborn mice positively reacted. However, the fluorescence was not membrane‐located, but rather diffuse. Newborn guinea pig epidermis showed no positive reaction. The epidermis of adult mice, guinea pigs, dogs and humans showed no reaction with this antibody.
Expression of Transferrin Receptor in Normal Human Skin, Psoriatic Skin and Various Skin Tumors
Authors: Iwata Mitsuru , Otsuka Fujio , Watanabe Shin‐ichi , Nogita Tatsutoshi , Ishibashi Yasumasa
Published: April 2015

The distribution of transferrin receptor in normal human skin and its expression in psoriatic skin and various skin tumors have been investigated. Immuno‐peroxidase staining was performed on biopsy specimens using monoclonal OKT 9 antibody, which reacts with transferrin receptor.

Normal human skin showed positive staining with OKT 9 in eccrine glands and outer root sheaths of the hair. Sebaceous glands were also strongly positive. The basal layer stained very weakly.

Psoriatic skin expressed OKT 9 strongly in the epidermis, especially in the area of the rete ridge.

In squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, and malignant melanoma, a widespread and strong labelling reaction was found. Basal cell epithelioma and genital Paget's disease were partially and moderately positive in their staining pattern. No such positive staining pattern could be found in either nevus cell nevi or seborrhoic keratosis.

These findings indicate that, in normal skin, transferrin receptor exists in eccrine glands, sebaceous glands, and outer root sheaths of the hair in greater amounts. High amounts of expression of this receptor in psoriatic epidermis and malignant tumors suggests that immunohistochemical demonstration of transferrin receptor parallels the proliferating activity of the tissue or tumor of the skin and may provide an useful aid for detecting such conditions.
A Case of Dermatomyositis and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Kato Hideyuki , Uyeki Yumiko , Kitajima Yasuo , Yaoita Hideo
Published: April 2015

We report a 59‐year‐old female patient with dermatomyositis associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is generally agreed that overlap of autoimmune diseases occurs during their course. The relationship between dermatomyositis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis is discussed in terms of autoimmune diseases, and several similar cases in the literature are reviewed.
Epidermal Factors Stimulate Collagenase Synthesis by Epidermolysis Bullosa Fibroblasts
Authors: Nomura Kazuo , Takahashi Masaaki , Mikami Hideki , Imaizumi Takashi , Sawada Yukimasa , Hashimoto Isao
Published: April 2015

The effect of epidermal factors on the collagenase activity of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) fibroblasts was examined. The epidermal extract obtained from a surgical scar strikingly stimulated the collagenase activity by fibroblasts to 2.55–3.07 U/ml (EB dystrophica recessiva, EBDR) and 1.67–2.03 U/ml (EB dystrophica dominans, EBDD), compared with 0.02–0.07 U/ml (EBDR) and 0–0.04 U/ml (EBDD) in the absence of the factor. Murine epidermal cell‐conditioned medium also enhanced the enzyme activity to 1.37–1.41 U/ml (EBDR) and 0.30–0.94 U/ml (EBDD). These results indicate that the epidermal factors, possibly interleukin‐1, may regulate collagenase metabolism in EB. Interleukin‐1‐positive cells were also observed immunohistochemically in the epidermis of EB. Therefore, the present data support the possibility that epidermis may be directly or indirectly involved in altering collagenase synthesis by EB fibroblasts.
Conserved Gene Organization of 67K Keratin in Patients with Hereditary Palmoplantar Keratoderma
Authors: Tanaka Toshihiro , Horiguchi Yuji , Moriwaki Shin‐ichi , Danno Kiichiro , Ikai Kouichi , Imamura Sadao
Published: April 2015

Restriction enzyme analysis to determine the divergence of the gene organization and the restriction fragment length polymorphism in four patients with two types of hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma revealed that the gene organization of 67K keratin was conserved in all cases. No restriction enzyme fragement length polymorphism was observed in a family of the Vörner type (Epidermolytic hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma) nor in a family of the Unna‐Thost type.

Total southern blotting analysis of both patients and controls showed the same pattern of bands; digestion with BamHI revealed 16.5 Kilo base pairs (Kbp) and 8.5 Kbp, whereas double digestion with BamHI and EcoRI showed bands of 7.2 Kbp and 4.5 Kbp, and that with BamHI and SphI gave 6.0 Kbp and 1.7 Kbp.

These results indicate that abnormalities in the keratin pattern, especially a decrease in the amount of higher molecular weight keratin in Vörner type palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, are not due to changes in the gene organization, such as insertion and/or deletion in the 67K keratin gene, and that there is no polymorphism around the 67K keratin gene of either type.
Low‐molecular‐weight Leukocyte Chemotactic Factors in Psoriatic Scales: Contribution of Lipid‐soluble Factors to the Chemotactic Activity
Authors: Takematsu Hideaki , Kato Taizo , Tagami Hachiro
Published: April 2015

Psoriatic scales contain polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) chemotactic factors which presumably are responsible for transepidermal PMN chemotaxis in psoriatic lesions. On molecular sieve chromatography, psoriatic scale extracts revealed PMN chemotactic activity in the peptide fractions eluted near 12 kDa in addition to low molecular weight (MW) chemotactic fractions. PMN chemotactic peptides with MW around 12 kDa that contain a C5‐cleavage product have been characterized as a unique major chemotactic factor in the aqueous components. On the other hand, it is uncertain whether or not lipid‐soluble low MW chemotactic factors, i.e., leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and its related compound 12‐hydroxy‐5,8,10,14‐eicosatetraenoic acid (12‐HETE), play major roles as PMN chemoattractants. In the present study, we found that the chemotactic activity in the aqueous psoriatic extracts was much higher than that in the organic extracts. Chemotactic activity in the low MW chemotactic fractions of psoriatic scale extracts, about half of which was recovered after extraction with ether at acidic pH, was heat‐stable (100°C) and withstood protease digestion, but was partially inactivated by treatment with trypsin. Immunoreactive LTB4 was demonstrated in these fractions. The previous findings and the present results suggest that the lipid‐soluble chemotactic factors, LTB4 and 12‐HETE, which constitute the low MW fraction of the psoriatic scale extracts, do not play as major a role as a PMN chemoattractants as do the chemotactic peptide fractions.
Serum Lipid Peroxide Levels in Various Dermatoses
Authors: Demitsu Toshio , Katayama Hiroshi , Yaoita Hideo
Published: April 2015

In studies of physiological roles of lipid peroxide in cutaneous tissue, we examined serum lipid peroxide levels in 199 patients with various dermatoses such as psoriasis, eczema/prurigo, alopecia, bullous disorders, acne/seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, SLE, urticaria, progressive systemic sclerosis, generalized morphea, and herpes zoster, by using the TBA (thiobarbituric acid) method and a new assay technique, called the MCDP (methyl carbamoyl‐dimethylamino phenothiazine)‐Hb method. The following results were obtained. By the TBA method, statistically significantly high serum lipid peroxide levels were noted in patients with psoriasis, eczema/prurigo, alopecia, SLE and generalized morphea. By the MCDP‐Hb method, similarly high levels were found in patients with alopecia and atopic dermatitis, compared with those of the control group. The discrepancy between the results from the TBA and the MCDP‐Hb methods is thought to be due to the fact that TBA method measures a secondary product of lipid peroxide, malondialdehyde, whereas the MCDP‐Hb method measures lipid hydroperoxide itself.

These results suggest some involvement of lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis or, at least, in the enhancement and modification of the symptoms in these dermatoses.
A Case of Steatocystoma Simplex on the Head
Authors: Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Nakayama Keiji , Hoshi Kenji , Onda Shutaro
Published: April 2015

A 69‐year‐old Caucasian American man had a dome‐shaped tumor on his head without any other involvement. On his first visit, we considered epidermal cyst or trichilemmal cyst clinically; however histopathological features matched those of steatocystoma simplex.
Defective Expression of a Desmosome‐related Keratinocyte Membrane Antigen in Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Haftek Marek , Meissner Kurt , Viac Jacqueline , Thivolet Jean
Published: April 2015

Intercellular junctions of keratinocytes are essential for coordination of the epithelial tissue function. Neoplastic transformation is often accompanied by changes in the glycolipid and glycoprotein composition of the cell membranes, although no evident structural modifications can be observed. We have investigated one aspect of the keratinocyte cell‐cell contact in squamous cell carcinoma using KM48 monoclonal antibody as a differentiation‐related marker for desmosomes. Quantitative analysis of the immunogold labelling revealed that the tumor cells lose the KM48 antigen during their neoplastic transformation. The process could also be observed, although to a lesser degree, in clinically and ultrastructurally normal marginal epidermis. The desmosome frequency in the tumor tissue also decreased, but not as radically as did the KM48 expression. Decreased expression of the desmosome‐related membrane antigen suggests qualitative and perhaps functional modifications of the junction in squamous cell carcinoma.
In vitro and In vivo Regulation of Transglutaminase Activity of Mouse Epidermal Cells by Various Vitamin A Compounds
Authors: Lee Seung Churl , Ikai Kouichi , Ando Yoshihiro , Danno Kiichiro , Imamura Sadao
Published: April 2015

In vitro and in vivo effects of various vitamin A analogues on the transglutaminase activity of mouse epidermal cells were investigated. In vitro addition of all‐trans‐retionic acid (retinoic acid), retinyl acetate, or Ro 10‐9359 (etretinate) to a culture medium induced transglutaminase activity in a transformed mouse epidermal cell line (PAM 212 cells). Induction by a new synthetic vitamin‐A‐like compound (E‐5166, polyprenoic acid derivative) was significant but less marked than that by other vitamin A analogues. Simultaneous addition of retinoic acid and the phorbol ester 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA), which also induces transglutaminase, did not cause any increase in transglutaminase activity. These retinoic acid derivatives inhibited the proliferation of PAM 212 cells at concentrations of 10–5–10–6 M in the culture medium.

In vivo analysis consisted of oral administration of retinoic acid and Ro 10‐9359 to adult mice. These mice were found to have increased liver transglutaminase activity in the soluble fraction but not in the particulate fraction. Orally administered retinoic acid did not induce transglutaminase activity in the epidermis in the whole skin. These results suggest that retinoids modify transglutaminase activity and epidermal proliferation and differentiation in vitro, but the induction of the enzyme seems not to be related to the clinical effects of orally administered retinoids on various skin diseases.
Analysis of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene in a Case of Multiple Bowen's Disease
Authors: Tanaka Mizuyo , Dosaka Naoko , Tanaka Toshihiro , Miyachi Yoshiki , Imamura Sadao
Published: April 2015

A 45‐year‐old woman had a triple cancer, multiple Bowen's disease, breast cancer, and carcinoma in situ of the cervical portion of her uterus. Development of all three carcinomas was discovered within a period of three years. Southern blotting analysis of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRc) gene of DNA extracted from the individual lesions of multiple Bowen's disease revealed no amplification or variant other than one extra band observed in one lesion. DNA extracted from other patients with solitary Bowen's disease showed essentially the same result. In contrast to squamous cell carcinoma DNA which sometimes has amplification of this gene, our present case suggests that there is only a small possibility that the EGFRc gene plays a role in the carcinogenesis of Bowen's disease.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Appearance of Thy‐1 Positive Dendritic Epidermal Cells in Mouse Epidermal Cell Suspension
Authors: Nakagawa Shojiro , Honma Takayoshi , Kumon Hiromi , Jinno Yoko , Bang Dongsik , Ueki Hiroaki , Ohmori Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

The distribution of Thy‐1.2 antigens and asialo GM1 on suspended epidermal cells prepared from C3H/He mice by trypsinizing their ear skin was examined by the scanning immunoelectron microscopic method using antibodies against the antigens and antibody‐bacteriophage T4 conjugates as visual markers. Thy‐1.2 and asialo GM1 were found to be distributed diffusely over a cell type with a relatively cuboidal shape and numerous villous projections. These cells are considered to be Thy‐1 positive dendritic epidermal cells. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Cyclic AMP as a Negative Regulator of DNA Synthesis in FRSK Cells, a Fetal Rat Epidermal Cell Line
Authors: Yamanishi Kiyohumi , Kishimoto Saburo , Yasuno Hirokazu
Published: April 2015

In FRSK cells, a cell line derived from fetal rat epidermal cells, cyclic AMP‐elevating agents forskolin (10 μM) and cholera toxin (10 ng/ml) increased cellular cyclic AMP content and suppressed [3H] thymidine incorporation. These effects of forskolin were enhanced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3‐isobutyl‐***l‐methylxanthine (0.1 mM). Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM), an analog of cyclic AMP, decreased not only basal but also both tumor promoter 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate***‐ and epidermal growth factor‐stimulated [3H] thymidine incorporation. From these results, we suggest that cyclic AMP may be a negative regulatory factor of DNA synthesis in FRSK cells.
Clinical, Histological, and Immunohistological Studies of Postoperative Erythroderma
Authors: Hidano Akira , Yamashita Noriko , Mizuguchi Michi , Toyoda Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

We report 7 cases of acute fatal illness characterized by fever, diffuse erythematous rash, and progressive leukopenia occurring 10 days after surgical operation. The outcome was uniformly fatal. The biopsy findings consisted of eosinophilic individual necrosis of epidermal cells, satellite cell necrosis, basal liquefaction degeneration, and scanty cell infiltration into the dermis. T lymphocytes were found in the epidermis but Langerhans cells disappeared. These findings are compatible with acute graft‐vs‐host disease following blood transfusion. Explanations based upon drug allergy, infection, toxic shock syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis seem less reasonable.
Cytochemistry of Trichohyalin Granules: A Possible Role for Cornification of Inner Root Sheath Cell in the Hair Follicle
Authors: Sugiyama Sadao
Published: April 2015

We studied ultracytochemically how trichohyalin granules (TGs) were involved in the cornification of the inner root sheath (IRS) cells in the hair follicle. After storing unfixed mouse skin samples in glycerol and then low ionic strength salt solution (G‐LISS), the TGs reduced electron‐dense amorphous material (EDM) to various degrees, with the appearance of filamentous material in routine staining. As the IRS cells were differentiating, these changes in the TGs became successively prominent; Some TGs consisted of the filamentous material and residual granular EDM, showing a “filamentogranular structure”. In the cells in transition to cornified cells, or transitional cells, the EDM of the TGs disappeared and consisted of only filamentous material which was intertwined with keratin filaments (KFs). The internal substructure of the TGs induced by the G‐LISS treatment stained well with ethanolic phosphotungstic acid, which reacts with basic proteins, and the KFs associated with the TGs also stained well. In skin samples not treated with G‐LISS, the TGs of the transitional cells often exhibited fibrogranular structure after PTA staining to detect tissue basic proteins, suggesting a release of PTA stainable proteins(s) by the TGs in living transitional cells. The KFs of the cornified cells were more intensively stained and thicker (about 20 nm wide) than those of the differentiating IRS cells. These findings suggest that the TGs may contain at least two kinds of basic proteins; One is G‐LISS‐soluble, and the other is a very insoluble filamentous protein. These protein materials may be added to or incorporated into the KFs in the cornified cells with the disappearance of the TGs, since the KFs are markedly thick with PTA staining.
Morphea Profunda
Authors: Nakamura Takehiko , Ono Tomomichi , Yamashita Naoko , Maruo Keishi , Mizutari Kiyoko , Ando Masayuki
Published: April 2015

A 51‐year‐old Japanese male developed morphea profunda over a plaque of pigmented sweating skin on the left chest extending deeply into the lung. Eight years previously, he noted a brown pigmented spot on the left axilla which started to enlarge over the left chest in a band‐like manner. Later, the involved skin hardened with profuse sweating. Chest X‐ray examination and computer tomography revealed a thickening of the left chest wall and a nodular mass lesion in the left lower lung field. Biopsy specimens from lung, chest wall, and overlying skin revealed a granulomatous tissue in the parenchyma and a marked fibrosis extending from the deep dermis to the pleura. There were no findings suggestive of malignancy or chronic infectious disease. We assume that the process of morphea in this patient extended deeply from the skin to the lung.
A Case of Epidermotropic Metastatic Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Kato Naoko , Kumakiri Masanobu , Ohkawara Akira
Published: April 2015

A special type of metastatic carcinoma to the skin, epidermotropic carcinoma, is thought to be a parasitic occupation of malignant tumors in the epidermis. A patient, a 56‐year‐old Japanese woman who had had a mastectomy because of mammary carcinoma thirteen months earlier, developed a metastatic skin tumor in the operation wound and another area of mammary skin. Histologically, almost only the epidermis was occupied by multifocal metastatic tumor nests, so the tumor was a type of epidermotropic metastatic carcinoma. Moreover, some tumor nests were found to be eliminated from the epidermis. Like other types of metastatic skin tumor, nevus pigmentosus, and amyloidosis, epidermotropic metastatic carcinoma can show transepithelial elimination.
Investigation of the Roles of the Substances in Serum Lipids and Their Constitutive Fatty Acids in Chronic Urticaria
Authors: Kobayashi Sumiko
Published: April 2015

The newly‐generated lipid mediators include products of arachidonate metabolism, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In this study, serum lipids and fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (C20:4) were examined in 12 normal subjects (6 males and 6 females) and 23 subjects with chronic urticaria (6 males and 17 females), including 17 who made an excellent or good recovery (4 males and 13 females). The results indicated a relationship between chronic urticaria and serum lipids and fatty acids. The ω6 (n‐6) and ω3 (n‐3) series of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid peroxidation were suggested that may be one of the mediators in chronic urticaria. Pantethine, glutathione and ascorbic acid were effective in controlling chronic urticaria.
Eczema of the Face, Scalp and Neck: An Epidemiological Comparison by Site
Authors: Goh Chee Leok
Published: April 2015

Fifteen percent of 3684 patients with eczema attending a contact clinic presented with head and/or neck eczema. There were epidemiological differences among eczema rashes occurring on different parts of the head and neck. Of the 538 patients with head and/or neck eczema, 345 (64%) occurred solely on the face, 52 (10%) on the eyelids, 49 (9%) on the lips, 20 (4%) on the ears, 22 (4%) on the scalp, and 21 (4%) on the neck. Twenty‐nine (5%) had eczema on more than one area of the head/neck. The mean age was lowest in patients with lip eczema (27.5 years) and highest in patients with eyelid eczema (37 years) (p=0.0056). The proportion of females with eczema was higher than males in all groups except the scalp eczema group. Contact dermatitis was more prevalent in the ear eczema (80%) and neck eczema (76%) groups, while endogenous/unclassifiable eczema was more prevalent in the lip eczema (72%) and scalp eczema (73%) groups (p<0.0001). Allergic contact dermatitis was more common than irritant contact dermatitis.
Hyperresponsibility to Exogeneous Interleukin 4 in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Ogata Fuyuki , Ootsuki Mamitaro , Ishibashi Yasumasa
Published: April 2015

Many humoral and cellular immunological abnormalities have been reported in atopic dermatitis (AD). Since interleukin 4 (IL‐4) enhances IgE production and IgE‐Fc receptor expression by B cells as well as [3H]‐TdR incorporation by T cells, we hypothesized that IL‐4 may play an important role in the regulation of the immune response in AD. We examined [3H]‐TdR incorporation by peripheral blood lymphocytes from AD patients or from non‐AD controls in the presence or absence of IL‐4 or interleukin 2 (IL‐2). We found that IL‐4/IL‐2 responsiveness was significantly higher in AD than controls, although the IgE levels did not seem to be correlated with IL‐4/IL‐2 responsiveness. It is possible that most humoral and cellular immunological abnormalities of AD may be due to this hyperresponsibility to IL‐4
Comparison of Human Hair and Nail Low‐sulfur Protein Compositions on Two‐dimensional Electrophoresis
Authors: Dekio Satoshi , Jidoi Joji
Published: April 2015

Compositions of human normal hair and nail low‐sulfur proteins were compared using two‐dimensional electrophoresis of their S‐carboxymethylated (SCM) derivatives. Six SCM low‐sulfur protein components with molecular weights (MWs) of 76,000, 73,000, 72,000, 64,000, 61,000 and 55,000 were common to the hair and nail. One component with a MW of 61,000 was specific to hair, and two components, both with a MW of 50,000, were specific to nail.
Correlation of Aedes albopictus Bite Reaction with IgE Antibody Assay and Lymphocyte Transformation Test to Mosquito Salivary Antigens
Authors: Oka Keiko
Published: April 2015

To investigate the mechanisms responsible for mosquito bite reaction, 120 subjects were experimentally exposed to Aedes albopictus bite and two types of immunological tests were performed. Specific IgE antibodies to salivary gland extract (SGE) antigens of female Aedes albopictus were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all subjects. Lymphocyte transformation tests (LTTs) to the same antigens were measured in 51 of the 120 subjects. The relationships between the results of ELISA and LTTs with bite reactions were statistically analysed. The amount of specific IgE antibodies correlated well with immediate bite reactions (r=0.55) (p<0.01). Stimulation indices (SIs) to SGE antigens correlated with delayed bite reactions (r=0.54) (p<0.01). The results suggest that type I hypersensitivity plays a role in the immediate reaction to mosquito bites and a cellular immune mechanism is responsible for the pathogenesis of delayed bite reactions.
Chemotactic Responsiveness of Eosinophils Isolated from Patients with Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Authors: Morita Eishin , Schröder Jens‐Michael , Christophers Enno
Published: April 2015

We determined the chemotactic responsiveness of peripheral eosinophilic granulocytes (eosinophils) isolated from patients with inflammatory dermatoses and healthy volunteers. Ten patients with atopic dermatitis, five patients with drug reactions, ten patients with psoriasis, and fourteen healthy volunteers were studied. Well characterized chemotaxins, the complement split product C5a, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), platelet activating factor (PAF), and N‐formyl‐methionylleucyl‐phenylalanine (FMLP), were used as chemoattractants. Eosinophils from healthy volunteers showed strong migratory responses towards C5a and PAF but responded poorly to LTB4 and FMLP. When patients were grouped by disease severity, eosinophil chemotactic responses to PAF were significantly enhanced in severely affected patients (p<0.05); this was not true with C5a, LTB4 or FMLP. This enhanced eosinophil chemotaxis to PAF was not related to a specific disease. No correlation between eosinophil chemotactic activity and peripheral blood eosinophil count was observed. The increased responsiveness of circulating eosinophils towards PAF may be related to altered receptor expression during cutaneous inflammation.
Erythema Multiforme in Children: Unusual Clinical Features with Seasonal Occurrence
Authors: Sakurai Michiyo
Published: April 2015

Eighty‐six cases of erythema multiforme (EM) were studied based on the distribution of skin lesions. Twenty‐nine patients had distinct facial skin lesions as well as lesions on the extremities (Group A) and 57 patients had skin lesions only on the extremities (Group B). Patients in Group A were younger than those in Group B; the average ages being 7.5 and 25.2 years, respectively. In Group A, the disease occurred mainly in winter, while, in Group B, it began most frequently in summer. Preceding ulcerated pernio was seen in 11 patients of Group A, but only one of Group B. Histopathologically, both groups are compatible with a diagnosis of EM, although the seasonal occurrence of facial involvement in Group A may suggest a specific etiological relationship to cold.
Erythroderma with Generalized Lymphadenopathy Induced by Phenytoin
Authors: Danno Kiichiro , Kume Makoto , Ohta Miyuki , Utani Atsushi , Ohno Sayoko , Kobashi Yoichiro
Published: April 2015

A 40‐year‐old man developed a generalized erythematous rash, fever, and systemic lymphadenopathy after treatment for two months with anticonvulsants including phenytoin. Laboratory examinations revealed increased white blood cell counts with eosinophilia, abnormal liver function, and increased gammaglobulin levels. A lymphocyte stimulation test showed a significant stimulation index for phenytoin. Skin biopsy findings were nonspecific cellular infiltrates in the upper dermis whereas in lymph nodes the normal architecture was replaced by massive cellular infiltrates consisting largely of lymphocytes, immunoblasts, and eosinophils suggesting a pattern of phenytoin lymphadenopathy. No malignant changes were noted. Phenytoin was discontinued and after a two‐month treatment with oral corticosteroids, all manifestations had nearly subsided. However, the patient should be carefully followed up since phenytoin occasionally induces lymphoproliferative states including malignant lymphoma even after cessation of the medication.
Malignant Hidroacanthoma Simplex
Authors: Takano Yoshika , Nishimura Masayuki , Urabe Atsumichi , Hayashi Noritaka , Toshitani Shoji
Published: April 2015

A case of malignant hidroacanthoma simplex is described. Histological examination revealed that the malignant cells had arisen from a tumor cell nest of benign hidroacanthoma simplex and invaded the dermis. Two years and 7 months after the excision of the original thigh lesion, a groin lymph node metastasis was discovered. The metastatic tumor cells in the lymph node were histologically similar to the carcinoma cells in the original thigh lesion and had enzymatic and ultrastructural features resembling eccrine sweat duct.
Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Lymphoma of the Skin
Authors: Nagatani Tetsuo , Kim Shu‐taku , Baba Naoko , Miyamoto Hideaki , Minato Keisuke , Shimoyama Masanori , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

We studied surface markers present in 56 cases of lymphoma of the skin by immunohistochemical staining, using the ABC (avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex) and PAP (peroxidase‐antiperoxidase complex) methods. Of these cases, 49 were T‐cell lymphoma and 7 were B‐cell lymphoma. Ten of the 49 cases of T‐cell lymphoma were adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). Twenty‐five of 31 cases of T‐cell lymphoma except ATL analyzed by the ABC method showed a helper/inducer phenotype (Leu2a−, Leu3a+), two cases showed a suppressor/cytotoxic phenotype (Leu2a+, Leu3a−), one case showed Leu2a+Leu3a+, one case showed an inducer phenotype (Leu2a−, Leu3a+, Leu9+), and one case showed OKT11+, Leu2a−, Leu3a−, Leu1−, Leu9+, CD25+, Leu10+, CD30+. One CD8+ lymphoma was Pagetoid reticulosis, and a CD4+, CD8+ lymphoma was lymphomatoid papulosis with erythematous plaque. Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), previously described by Edelson et al., is defined as a helper T‐cell lymphoma with marked affinity for the skin. In our study, 5 cases of T‐cell lymphoma of the skin were not CTCL as described by Edelson et al. These results show that T‐cell lymphoma of the skin is heterogeneous in nature. In other words, CTCL is one type but represents a major proportion of T‐cell lymphomas of the skin.
Amino Acid Compositions of Human Hair Fibrous Protein Components Purified with Two‐dimensional Electrophoresis
Authors: Dekio Satoshi , Jidoi Joji
Published: April 2015

Normal human S‐carboxymethylated (SCM) hair fibrous protein (HFP) components were purified with two‐dimensional electrophoresis, and their amino acid compositions were examined. As previously reported, the SCM cysteine and glycine contents of the crude HFPs were characteristically high and low, respectively, as compared with those reported for the stratum corneum fibrous proteins (SCFPs). However, the SCM cysteine and glycine contents of the purified SCM HFP components were not as high or as low, respectively, but were rather very similar to those of the SCFPs. This suggests that, with respect to cysteine and glycine content, fibrous protein components similar to those of the stratum corneum exist in normal human hair.
Strong Anti‐tumor Effect of Monosialoganglioside Specific Monoclonal Antibody 202: A Clinical Trial in a Cancer Patient with Melanoma
Authors: Hamanaka Sumiko , Ota Takahisa , Nakayasu Kiyoshi , Kamei Toshiaki , Tai Tadashi , Kawashima Ikuo , Otsuka Fujio , Irie Reiko , Asagami Chidori
Published: April 2015

Mab 202, a mouse monoclonal IgM antibody which recognizes sialic acid α2→3 galactosyl residue in monosialogangliosides and reacts with human melanoma cells but not with normal cells, was administered to a melanoma patient by either intralesional injection or intravenous infusion. Mab 202 induced regressions of the metastatic tumors without side effects. Histopathologic examination showed remarkable degenerative and necrotic changes in the tumor, around which lymphocytes, eosinophils, plasma cells and macrophages infiltrated. Immuno‐peroxidase staining revealed Mab 202 binding to melanoma cells. Clinical and pathologic evidence suggested that Mab 202 has cytotoxic effects against melanoma cells. Mab 202 may therefore be useful in the treatment of human malignant melanoma.
Parallel Arrangement, Growth Inhibition and Cell Cycle Phase Analysis of Human Dermal Fibroblasts Cultured in Collagen Lattice
Authors: Kono Takeshi , Tanii Tsukasa , Furukawa Masayoshi , Mizuno Nobuyuki , Kitajima Jun‐ichi , Ishii Masamitsu , Hamada Toshio , Yoshizato Katsutoshi
Published: April 2015

Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in a hydrated type I collagen lattice. When collagen fibers were arranged in one direction, fibroblasts were arranged in the same direction. Cell proliferation was markedly suppressed in the collagen lattice as compared with that on plastic, with growth being arrested after day 5. No differences in proliferation were observed between aligned cells and randomly oriented cells.

Flow cytometry with DNA staining was performed to analyze each phase of the cell cycle of fibroblasts. Among the 10,000 cell population, S phase cells on day 2 of culture accounted for 43% on plastic but were markedly inhibited to 25% in the lattice. On day 4, S phase cells accounted for 33% on plastic but only for 10% in the lattice. These findings suggest that cell advancement to the S phase is markedly inhibited in the collagen lattice, resulting in accumulation of most of cells in the G0G1 phase.

The present study clearly showed that culture in the collagen lattice allowed alignment of fibroblasts with a definite orientation as observed in vivo and produced a status resembling that in vivo in terms of proliferation and cell cycle phase composition.
A New Method for Culturing Human Hair Follicle Cells on Floating Mixed Collagen Membranes
Authors: Kuwana Ryuichiro , Arase Seiji , Sadamoto Yasushi , Takeda Katsuyuki
Published: April 2015

A new method for culturing human hair follicle cells without a biological feeder layer has been developed.

Dispersed hair follicle cells obtained from plucked hairs have been successfully grown on floating mixed collagen membranes (collagen types I and IV) and have reached a confluent state. They could be subcultured up to twice. Differentiation of the cells was maintained throughout a month in culture. Stratification of the cells and continuous epithelial pavement formation were seen, as in cultured epidermal keratinocytes.
A Study of Systemic and Topical Effects of Topical Steroid Application through the Comparison of Two Application Schedules
Authors: Fukaya Yoshihide , Masutani Mamoru , Koyama Youichi , Takahashi Hisahide , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

We compared two application schedules of a topical steroid, BV (Betamethasone valerate). The schedules were once daily and twice a week on juvenile Wistar rats treated for four weeks. Steroid actions were assessed topically (skin thickness and epidermal Langerhans cell density) and systemically (body weight and internal organ wet weights). The results revealed some rather severe systemic effects caused by frequent steroid application. And we also found a uniquely weak BV effect with Langerhans cells compared to obvious systemic effects on rats. We came to the conclusion that frequent steroid application to the young should be avoided.
Radio‐active Iodine Uptake in Vitiligo
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Shankar Vijay , Chaudhary Satdev , Bhatia Krishan Kumar , Mehta Lalit Kumar , Arora Nishi , Arora Des Raj
Published: April 2015

Vitiligo and thyroid disease are commonly associated disorders. Twenty‐two clinically euthyroid vitiligo patients were studied for functional assessment of thyroid by radioactive iodine uptake assay. Half of them showed abnormal uptake values at 24 hours. Of these patients, 90% had lower values indicating a tendency towards developing hypothyroid state. Subclinical thyroid dysfunction in vitiligo appears to be an adaptive change.
Correlation of Contractility and Proliferative Potential with the Extent of Differentiation in Mouse Fibroblastic Cell Lines Cultured in Collagen Lattices
Authors: Kono Takeshi , Tanii Tsukasa , Furukawa Masayoshi , Mizuno Nobuyuki , Taniguchi Shoji , Ishii Masamitsu , Hamada Toshio , Yoshizato Katsutoshi
Published: April 2015

Four types of fibroblastic cell lines at various stage of differentiation, which had been derived from syngeneic mice, were cultured in collagen lattices (reconstituted dermis model). Lattice contraction, growth in the lattice, and cell morphology were compared. The following cell lines were used: [I] precrisis cells within several subcultures derived from the skin of Balb/c mice, [II] an established normal cell line derived from syngeneic mice (Balb/3T3 clone A31), and [III] two transformed lines (Balb/3T12‐3, 3T3‐B‐SV40) originating from [II]. The cells adopted a bipolar spindle form in the collagen lattice. Lattice contraction was the most marked with cell type [I] followed in order by [II] and [III]. Relative growth in the lattice occurred in the reverse order (III>II>I). These findings suggested a correlation between lattice contraction and growth in the lattice and also between the extent of differentiation and lattice contraction.
Immunohistochemical Study of Lysozyme in Human Apocrine Glands
Authors: Ezoe Kazuhiko , Katsumata Michio
Published: April 2015

The localization of lysozyme in human apocrine glands was studied by adopting the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex method. The results showed that the glands were enriched with lysozyme. The apical portion of secretory cells was most heavily stained. Eccrine glands did not stain for lysozyme. Although apocrine glands have been regarded as having no apparent function in man, it is suggested in the present report that they may have an excretory bactericidal role.