bromochloroacetic-acid and Parakeratosis

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is an uncommon, benign epithelial lesion of the oral mucosa. While this entity can also present extraorally, including on the skin and in anogenital areas, the variation in its histologic features in extraoral sites is not yet well defined. Differences in the demographics and morphologic features of oral versus extraoral VX were assessed to help facilitate the accurate diagnosis and management of this lesion.. After obtaining IRB approval, 110 cases of diagnosed VX were retrospectively collected from our institutional archives spanning from 2000 to 2022. Patient age, gender, available medical history, lesion appearance, and duration were obtained for each case.. The median age was 55 years (range 13-86) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The most common oral sites, in descending order, were the palate (n = 24, 22%), buccal mucosa (n = 18, 16%), gingiva (n = 16, 15%), and tongue (n = 13, 12%). Extraoral sites comprised 9% of all lesions, including the scrotum (9), vulva (2), cheek (1), wrist (1), gluteal region (1), and abdominal wall (1). The median size for all lesions was 6.0 mm, and extraoral lesions were associated with a 6.7 mm larger size compared to oral lesions (B ± SE: 6.7 ± 2.5 cm, p = 0.01). The lesions were most frequently pink or white in color and often described as papillary, pedunculated, verrucous, and/or exophytic. Microscopically, the presence of wedge-shaped parakeratosis, keratin projections above the epithelium/epidermis, and associated inflammation significantly differed between oral and extraoral lesions. Prominent wedge-shaped parakeratosis (p = 0.04) and keratin projections above the epithelium/epidermis (p < 0.001) were more prevalent in extraoral lesions. There was no significant link between keratin projections and epithelial atypia (p = 0.44).. Familiarity with the broad morphological spectrum of VX, including the presence and degree of wedge-shaped parakeratosis, keratin projections above the epithelium/epidermis, and associated underlying inflammation, will be helpful in diagnosing it in unusual locations.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Genitalia; Humans; Keratins; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Diseases; Parakeratosis; Retrospective Studies; Xanthomatosis; Young Adult

Sulcus vocalis is an epithelial invagination adherent to deep tissues of the vocal fold. Traditionally, dysphonia is believed to result from attenuation or absence of lamina propria and consequent alteration of mucosal dynamics. This conception does not account for several clinical features of the lesion, most notably inflammation. The goal of this study is to elucidate the clinical nature of sulcus by re-examination of its histopathology.. Retrospective review.. Clinical features, including stroboscopic examination, and hematoxylin and eosin sections of 19 lesions in 15 patients who underwent surgery were reviewed.. Epithelial change was found uniformly in all specimens, consisting of parakeratosis (78.9%), epithelial thickening (77.8%), dyskeratosis (63.2%), basement membrane thickening (47%), epithelial inflammation (52.6%), and retention of keratin debris (36.8%). In contrast, submucosal findings were less prevalent. Seven patients (36.8%) had essentially normal subepithelial tissues. Submucosal inflammation was present in seven (36.8%), and other submucosal changes in four of 17 (23.5%). Clinical characteristics demonstrated general improvement after surgical intervention in most cases.. Sulcus vocalis appears to have an important component of epithelial pathology, with especially high prevalence of parakeratosis, dyskeratosis, and epithelial thickening. Clinical changes may result from prominent perilesional inflammation related to epithelial changes instead of or in addition to any alteration of the lamina propria. Surgical treatment, when necessary, should refocus on removal of pathologic epithelium as a source of inflammation independent of reconstructive considerations.. 4 Laryngoscope, 126:1397-1403, 2016.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Histological Techniques; Humans; Keratins; Laryngeal Diseases; Laryngeal Mucosa; Male; Middle Aged; Parakeratosis; Retrospective Studies; Stroboscopy; Vocal Cords; Young Adult

Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Breast; Female; Humans; Intertrigo; Keratins; Parakeratosis

Topics: Antiperspirants; Axilla; Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Inclusion Bodies; Keratins; Middle Aged; Parakeratosis

The viral etiology of certain types of seborrheic keratosis (SK) has been a controversial subject in literature, with different molecular results. On the contrary, to the molecular approach, some have suggested that certain types of SK are indeed warts, due to their morphologic features. We decided to investigate the presence of coarse keratohyalin granules in cases of irritated SK.. We examined the last 60 cases with such a diagnosis in our Service of Anatomic Pathology and found these granules in eight cases (7.5%). The granules were evidenced in squamous eddies in four cases, while they were seen in foci of hypergranulosis from the top part of the epidermis in five cases. These granules were evidenced in a few foci in three cases while they were seen in multiple foci in five cases. In these eight cases, we also looked for other morphologic signs suggesting a viral origin, such as papilated, exo-endophytic configuration, parakeratosis at the tips of digitations, dilated vessels in the papillae and koilocytes. While six cases presented at least any of these other features, in two of the eight cases (25%), the only clue suggesting a viral origin was the evidence of the thick granules of keratohyalin.. We discuss the meaning of such a finding as described in literature, and conclude that it should be a specific feature to look out for, in cases of irritated SK, in order to exclude a diagnosis of verruca vulgaris.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cytoplasmic Granules; Diagnosis, Differential; Epidermis; Female; Humans; Keratins; Keratosis, Seborrheic; Male; Middle Aged; Parakeratosis; Warts

The transglutaminase (TG) family consists of eight distinct isoforms. TG types 1, 3 and 5 play a major role in normal skin development, with TG2 also being elevated during dermal wounding. TG1, 3 and 5 are responsible for the cross-linking of keratin precursors and formation of the cornified envelope during keratinocyte differentiation. TG2 may play a role in keratinocyte basement membrane cross-linking. Abnormal TG expression has been demonstrated in Darier disease, Netherton syndrome, psoriasis and lamellar ichthyosis. During a recent investigation of skin contraction in tissue-engineered skin, transglutaminase inhibitors were found to produce hyperproliferation and parakeratosis.. Accordingly, this study was designed to study the effect of pan-transglutaminase inhibition on morphology of tissue-engineered skin and expression of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation-associated antigens.. We used a tissue-engineered model of human skin, based on de-epidermized acellular human dermis, seeded with normal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts and cultured at an air-liquid interface. The pan-transglutaminase inhibitors putrescine, NTU283 (1-dimethyl,2-[(oxopropyl)thio]imidazolium) and NTU285 (N-benzyloxycarbonyl-l-glutaminyl-6-dimethylsulfonium-5-oxo-l-norleucine) were added to the culture medium. After 28 days, histology and immunohistochemistry for collagen IV, involucrin and cytokeratins 6, 10 and 16 were performed.. Keratinocyte hyperproliferation and parakeratosis were seen in response to transglutaminase inhibition. Inhibition of transglutaminase also resulted in loss of basement membrane collagen IV. Involucrin and cytokeratins 6 and 16 were confined to the basal layers in control composites but expressed throughout the epidermis in response to transglutaminase inhibition. A distinct band of expression of cytokeratin 10 was seen in the upper stratum granulosum of control composites but only patchy expression was seen after transglutaminase expression.. Pan-transglutaminase inhibition inhibits terminal differentiation of keratinocytes, leading to a hyperproliferative epidermis with parakeratosis and enhanced expression of involucrin and cytokeratins 6 and 16. Expression of the differentiation-associated cytokeratin, cytokeratin 10, is reduced. Basement membrane integrity is also lost as a result of transglutaminase inhibition.

Topics: Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Imidazoles; Immunohistochemistry; Keratinocytes; Keratins; Mucin-1; Parakeratosis; Putrescine; Skin; Tissue Engineering; Transglutaminases

A patient presented with a 4-month history of slowly progressive pruritic papules on her trunk and extremities. Biopsies from 2 of these lesions revealed molluscum contagiosum. One of the biopsies also showed several small foci of granular parakeratosis. Based on the clinical features and course of this patient, the granular parakeratosis seems to be an incidental finding.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Betamethasone; Chelation Therapy; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Gentamicins; Humans; Keratins; Middle Aged; Molluscum Contagiosum; Parakeratosis; Treatment Failure; Triamcinolone

An 83-year-old patient presented herself with a ten-year history of keratotic papules on her trunk. A biopsy of this process revealed granular parakeratosis confined to the infundibulum of a follicle. Exclusive follicular involvement in granular parakeratosis has not been previously described.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chronic Disease; Female; Folliculitis; Hair Follicle; Humans; Keratins; Parakeratosis

Axillary granular parakeratosis is an alteration of keratin characterized by a thick parakeratotic horny layer with abundant intracellular keratohyalin granules. It was first described in 1991 and since then 32 cases have been reported from USA, Europe and Australia. Lesions may affect intertriginous areas other than the axilla. The disease has apparently not been previously described in Latin America. Three overweight Colombian women were diagnosed with axillary granular parakeratosis. They presented encrusted, hyperkeratotic, hyperpigmented and pruriginous papules and plaques which affected both axillae in two women and only one in the other. Lesions had persisted for two and four months in two patients and for one year in the third. Clinical diagnoses were benign familiar pemphigus and tinea nigra. Skin biopsies showed a thick parakeratotic basophilic horny layer. Electron microscopy demonstrated a high content of keratohyalin granules. No Langerhans cells were demonstrated in the lesions using IHC for S-100 protein. No fungi were seen with the PAS stain. Infundibula showed thick horny plugs with changes similar to those seen in the epidermis. Dermal tissue showed few perivascular lymphocytes. These findings suggest that the disease has an irritative pathogenesis. Clinical histories indicated that the three women were overweight and used several types of antiperspirants. These factors plus local irritation and humidity apparently triggered the keratinization response.

Topics: Adult; Axilla; Diagnosis, Differential; Epidermis; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Isotretinoin; Keratins; Middle Aged; Parakeratosis

Gene expression for the differentiation-specific keratins (K4, K13, K1 and K10) was analyzed in oral non-dysplastic keratoses, oral lichen planus (OLP) and lichenoid reactions (LR) by comparative in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to investigate molecular changes in the altered differentiation pattern from non- to para- or orthokeratinization. At the protein level, K4 and K13 were detected homogeneously in the suprabasal compartment of parakeratotic epithelium but showed reduced expression in orthokeratoses, particularly in the presence of lymphocytes. Corresponding transcripts were restricted to basal and lower prickle cells. Synthesis of K1 and K10 was upregulated and more pronounced in orthokeratotic epithelia. The study showed an alteration in the pattern of differentiation-specific keratins, although involvement of the lymphocytic infiltrate in OLP and LR resulted in further gene modulation. In both diseases, K1 and K10 showed transcriptional control, proteins having the same distribution as their transcripts. This represented a change from post-transcriptional regulation in normal buccal epithelium, in which mRNAs for K1 and K10 are more widely expressed than their proteins. Thus, the pattern of keratin gene expression may be altered in response to frictional/smoking stimuli or immune-mediated mechanisms.

Topics: Cell Differentiation; Epithelium; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization; Keratins; Leukoplakia, Oral; Lichen Planus, Oral; Lichenoid Eruptions; Lymphocytes; Mouth Diseases; Mouth Mucosa; Parakeratosis; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; RNA, Messenger; Transcription, Genetic; Up-Regulation

Granular parakeratosis is a histologic phenomenon that produces a characteristic clinical picture with multiple brownish and hyperkeratotic papules. In all 6 published cases of localized axillary parakeratosis, excessive use of different topical preparations (cream-type products, deodorants that include roll-on and stick types, antiperspirants, shampoos, bath soaps) was reported by the authors. The exact pathogenic causal relationships have not yet been resolved. In the case reported below, we demonstrate for the first time that the macro- and micromorphological entities can also occur in the submammary region.

Topics: Adult; Breast Diseases; Cell Nucleus; Dermatologic Agents; Epidermis; Female; Humans; Hyalin; Keratinocytes; Keratins; Keratosis; Parakeratosis; Skin Care; Therapeutic Irrigation

Axillary granular parakeratosis is a recently described condition presenting with erythematous hyperkeratotic papules and plaques. We report on nine women and one man with eruptions not only localized to the axillae. Biopsy specimens were investigated by histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, immuno-electron microscopy, and in situ hybridization. In general, the epidermis was hyperplastic and showed a well preserved stratum granulosum. In the upper dermis a discrete perivascular CD4+ T-cell infiltrate was found, CD1+ dendritic cells were absent from the epidermis. The distribution pattern of the epidermal keratins (keratin 5/14, 1/10) and the expression of involucrin was regular. The horny layer was excessively thickened and parakeratotic. The nuclear remnants showed marginal chromatin condensation and were reactive for the nick-end labeling technique using TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin. The corneocytes were characteristically replete with basophilic granules which showed both ultrastructural features of keratohyalin granules and immunoreactivity for filaggrin. Loricrin was expressed irregularly in small L-granules. Granular parakeratotic cells revealed regular development of a cornified envelope while cell membranes and desmosomes remained undegraded. In conclusion, our studies on granular parakeratosis suggest a basic defect in processing of profilaggrin to filaggrin that results in a failure to degrade keratohyalin granules and to aggregate keratin filaments during cornification. Associated abnormalities of the cell surface structures and dysregulation of cornified envelope components may account for the retention hyperkeratosis. Further studies are necessary to clarify the etiology of this unique, acquired disorder of keratinization that localizes to intertriginous areas and body folds.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Biopsy; Dermatitis; Epidermis; Female; Filaggrin Proteins; Humans; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Keratinocytes; Keratins; Male; Microscopy, Immunoelectron; Middle Aged; Necrosis; Parakeratosis; Recurrence

A 54-year-old woman had a 3 year history of a recurrent bilateral axillary rash during the summer months. Both axillae showed hyperkeratotic, fissured and cobblestone plaques. Skin biopsy showed the histology previously defined as axillary granular parakeratosis. This finding may indeed represent an unusual contact reaction to anti-perspirants interfering with epidermal keratinization.

Topics: Axilla; Biopsy; Deodorants; Dermatitis, Contact; Epidermis; Exanthema; Female; Humans; Keratins; Middle Aged; Parakeratosis; Recurrence; Seasons

To help elucidate the factors responsible for the infundibular changes seen in acne, the human sebaceous pilosebaceous infundibulum was isolated by microdissection and maintained for 7 d in keratinocyte serum-free medium supplemented with 50 micrograms/ml bovine pituitary extract, 100 units/ml penicillin and streptomycin, 2.5 micrograms/ml amphotericin B and CaCl2(10H2O) to give a final Ca2+ concentration of 2 mM. Infundibular structure was maintained over 7 d in this medium; the pattern of cell division mimicked that in vivo. The rate of cell division was significantly higher than previously described for infundibula maintained in supplemented William's E medium, and moreover did not fall over 7 d. The addition of 1 ng/ml interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) caused hypercornification of the infundibulum similar to that seen in comedones; this could be blocked by 1000 ng/ml interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). In about 20% of subjects there was spontaneous hypercornification of the infundibulum that could be blocked by 1000 ng/ml IL-1ra, suggesting that the infundibulum is capable of synthesising IL-1 alpha. The addition of 5 ng/ml epidermal growth factor or 5 ng/ml transforming growth factor-alpha to the medium caused a disorganisation of the keratinocytes of the infundibulum that resulted in rupturing similar to that seen in the more severe, purulent grades of acne. The addition of 1 microM 13-cis retinoic acid caused a significant reduction in the rate of DNA synthesis and apparent parakeratosis. We are now, therefore, able to model histologically the major infundibular changes in acne.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Animals; Cattle; Cell Survival; Culture Techniques; Epidermal Growth Factor; Female; Humans; Interleukin-1; Isotretinoin; Keratins; Parakeratosis; Skin; Time Factors

Given the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, an attempt was made to determine whether certain factors such as keratinization and/or squamous atypia are associated with its development. Review of our gynecologic cytology files from 1989 yielded 1,615 specimens showing parakeratosis and/or hyperkeratosis, without cytologic evidence of HPV. Concomitant diagnoses included no atypia [keratinization only (KO)], inflammatory squamous atypia (ISA), and squamous atypia (SA). Morphologic follow-up including repeat cytology or biopsy was available for 916 cases, 92 (10.0%) of which possessed changes of HPV. For any case with both cytologic and biopsy evidence of HPV, only the biopsy result was tabulated. HPV on follow-up examination was detected in 52 (6.7%) of the 764 cases with KO; in 20 (20.8%) of the 96 cases with keratinization and ISA (KISA); and in 20 (35.7%) of the 56 cases with keratinization and SA (KSA). The definitive diagnosis of HPV was based on previously described features (Gupta, In: Comprehensive Cytopathology, Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1991:133-140) including nuclear enlargement with nuclear membrane irregularities in combination with sharply demarcated paranuclear cytoplasmic clearing. Affected cells have rounded borders. Binucleated cells are not uncommon. The increasing percentage of HPV from KO to KISA to KSA is not necessarily surprising. However, mathematical analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the development of HPV in each of the 3 groups: KISA vs. KO (P < 0.001), KSA vs. KO (P < 0.001), and KSA vs. KISA (P < 0.05). Therefore, a cytologic diagnosis of keratinization with ISA or especially SA should warrant closer follow-up than that of KO.

Topics: Biopsy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Keratins; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Parakeratosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Tumor Virus Infections; Vaginal Smears

An 82-year-old Japanese woman had numerous palmoplantar keratotic plugs and pits, resembling 'music box spines'. Histological examination revealed compact columns of parakeratosis in the horny layer. Ultrastructually, the affected stratum corneum contained numberous variable-sized pyknotic nuclei, and cells in the stratum granulosum contained fewer keratohyalin granules. Autoradiographic analysis by [3H]thymidine [3H]TdR incorporation into epidermal cells of affected skin slices in organ culture revealed that only basal cells below the keratotic plug were stimulated to proliferate. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that palmar keratotic plugs contained the keratin filaments that are specifically present in the plantar viable epidermal layer, or other hyperproliferative epithelial cells.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; Female; Humans; Keratins; Keratoderma, Palmoplantar; Parakeratosis; Skin

Fragments of nail keratin removed with tweezers from patients suffering from alopecia areata were examined using light microscopy and electron microscopy. The results obtained from these two techniques show nail changes which are slits, cupuliform dips of the upper edge and parakeratosis, under light microscopy; vacuoles, depletion of keratin fibers, and electron-dense fibrillary deposits, under electron microscopy. These changes predominate in the nail plate with a maximum in the upper part while the subungual keratin is preserved. A serious disorder of the matrix keratinization is probably the source of this preferential localization. To determine whether it is a disorder of the keratin fibers themselves or rather of the interfilamentary matrix and especially of the filaggrin system will require further biochemical and immunological studies.

Topics: Alopecia Areata; Filaggrin Proteins; Humans; Keratins; Microscopy, Electron; Nails; Parakeratosis

We compared morphologic features of keratohyalin granules (KHG) that were directly related to keratinization in oral mucosa (tongue, cheek, gums, palate; n = 4) with those in parakeratotic epidermis (psoriasis, n = 2; pityriasis rubra pilaris, n = 1; acute dermatitis, n = 1) and normal orthokeratotic epidermis. Among others, the ultrastructural features of globular KHG were observed in the cheek, nonspecialized tongue mucosa, and parakeratotic epidermis occurring in psoriasis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and acute dermatitis, whereas gums and palate showed a mixture of characteristics, also resembling stellate KHG as seen in normal skin. From literature as well as from our studies, the impression was gained that globular KHG were found especially in quickly dividing epithelia and could easily be distinguished from the irregular or stellate KHG that were found in slowly dividing normal epidermis. Therefore, we studied keratinization features on days 3, 7, and 14 after autografting normal human skin (n = 4), thus inducing high cell turnover. Stellate KHG, present in granular cells of normal skin, were almost absent on the third day. Active cell division on the seventh day resulted in sparse keratohyalin formation inside globular granules of low electron density, whereas numerous, rather electron-translucent lipid droplets occurred in upper spinous and horny cells. These two phenomena seemed to be interrelated. After 14 days, round and increasingly electron-dense KHG were noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Cytoplasmic Granules; Epidermis; Humans; Hyalin; Keratins; Keratosis; Mouth Mucosa; Parakeratosis; Skin Transplantation

We compared some morphological and biochemical aspects of the epidermal changes occurring in hyperkeratotic scabies in humans and domestic pigs. Clinically and histologically, pig skin alterations look very similar to those observed in humans, i.e., brittle hyperkeratosis with parakeratotic crusting and thickening of the epidermis. Parakeratosis seems to correspond to previous passage of scabies mites through the incompletely differentiated layers of the epidermis. Indeed, by serial sectioning we observed beneath the stratum corneum cellular lysis some distance ahead of the mouth parts of the parasites. Epidermal cells surrounding this initial epidermolytic focus finally underwent disturbed terminal differentiation and appeared as parakeratotic cells. In pigs we observed intraepithelial microabscesses, but we rarely observed these in our human subjects.

Topics: Animals; Epidermis; Female; Humans; Keratins; Neutrophils; Parakeratosis; Scabies; Swine

There are two types of hair cast. The common type is found frequently in association with parakeratotic scalp disorders. They have features allowing specific identification. They occur in children and adults of either sex. It is suggested they be called parakeratotic hair casts, as this name reflects the cause and composition of the casts. The uncommon type has specific features that are different from the common type. They are not usually associated with diseases of the scalp and have only been reported in female subjects. It is suggested they be called peripilar keratin casts, as this is the name frequently used for them. The proposed nomenclature should avoid confusion between two distinct types of hair casts that have often inappropriately been regarded as the same disorder, and which have not been previously differentiated by specific names.

Topics: Female; Hair Diseases; Humans; Keratins; Male; Parakeratosis; Scalp Dermatoses; Terminology as Topic

Among several monoclonal antibodies (moABs) directed against human interleukin 2 (IL-2), the 15-2 moAB raised in our laboratory against unglycosylated recombinant IL-2 (produced in Escherichia coli) cross-reacted with a human skin epitope. This moAB gave a strong staining on the cell-surface membranes of keratinocytes from the granular layer of the epidermis. In addition, the 15-2 moAB stained 15% of epidermal cell suspensions obtained from suction blisters and reacted with cells from the spinous layer in parakeratosis and psoriasis, as well as with spinous epithelioma cells. Preincubation of the 15-2 moAB with pure human recombinant IL-2 abrogated skin binding, whereas a polyclonal antikeratin antiserum did not block 15-2 skin binding. Two other anti-IL-2 moABs, one directed against unglycosylated recombinant IL-2 (17-2 moAB) and one against glycosylated natural IL-2 (9B11 IE5 moAB), were unreactive on skin. Taken together, the data suggest that the 15-2 moAB binds to an epitope cross-reacting with, but different from, IL-2 which is located in the cell-surface membranes of granular layer cells. This cross-reactive epitope may provide a useful probe for the study of human epidermal cell differentiation.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Binding Sites, Antibody; Epidermis; Humans; Interleukin-2; Keratins; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Parakeratosis; Psoriasis; Staining and Labeling

Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Culture Media; Guinea Pigs; Keratins; Lithium; Organ Culture Techniques; Parakeratosis; Rabbits; Skin

Antibodies against different fractions of keratins can be helpful in various fields of special pathology. Antibodies against "small" and "large" keratins permit to evaluate epithelial maturation in skin and oral mucosa. In addition, disturbances of keratinization during inflammatory processes and malignant transformation can be analyzed. The main application of antibodies against the entire fractions of keratins is the detection of the epithelial nature of a neoplasm. By this tool, particular problems in surgical pathology concerning differential diagnosis can be handled in an easier way. Among the different tissues and their neoplasms, examples of the analysis of thymus tumours and salivary gland tumours are presented. Immunoreactivity with keratin antibodies depends crucially on tissue processing. In the normal diagnostic procedure, good results are regularly obtained if cryostat or Bouin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections are used.

Topics: Adenoma; Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cytoskeleton; Humans; Keratins; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Parakeratosis; Salivary Gland Neoplasms; Salivary Glands; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Thymus Gland; Thymus Neoplasms

Topics: Cell Membrane; Extracellular Space; Humans; Hyalin; Keratins; Parakeratosis; Skin

We saw three patients with inflammatory linear verrucose epidermal nevus (ILVEN). The purpose of this study is to better delineate the histopathologic features of this type of nevus. In fact, in all three cases very particular, specific histologic lesions have been noted that permit us to better distinguish this recently outlined entity. The histologic features were depressed, cup-like areas of hyper-granulosis with overlying orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, alternating (with sharp dermacation) with raised, level areas of agranulosis with overlying parakeratotic hyperkeratosis.

Topics: Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Infant; Keratins; Keratosis; Male; Nevus, Pigmented; Parakeratosis; Skin Neoplasms

Electron microscopic analyses of basaloid cell papillomas of the solid and papillomatous types are reported. The submicroscopic organization is described. Some of the ultrastructural findings, e.g. an increased number of mitochondria, a certain mitochondrial polymorphismus, the occurrence of irregularly shaped intracytoplasmic vesicles, the abundance of endoplasmic reticulum hypertrophy and the remarkable presence of microtubule-like structures, an unusual finding in a material fixed at the temperature used, are indicating an altered metabolic activity. The alternating presence and absence of keratohyalin is found to be submicromorphologically related to the formation of A- respectively B-cells. This is compared with the formation of parakeratosis in psoriatic lesions without keratohyalin. A formation of orthokeratosis as seen by the light microscopical procedure seems possible without preceeding occurrence of keratohyalin.

Topics: Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Cell Nucleus; Cytoplasm; Cytoplasmic Granules; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Humans; Hyalin; Keratins; Keratosis; Microscopy, Electron; Microtubules; Mitochondria; Parakeratosis; Ribosomes; Skin Neoplasms; Temperature

The activity of ICDH(NAD) was measured in subcorneal and basal epidermal layers in 8 patients with psoriasis and in 7 healthy controls treated once a day with 0.15% dithranol in white petrolatum for 2 weeks. Skin biopsies were taken before and on days 2, 6, and 14 of the treatment. Lowry's microtechniques were used in conjunction with a bioluminescent system (bacterial luciferase) for enzymatic assays. The enzymic activity could be related to the type of keratinization present in the stratum corneum overlying the epidermal areas under study. In orthokeratotic areas from the controls, in noninvolved, and in treated involved skin the activity was low. In parakeratotic areas, as found in treated noninvolved and in involved psoriatic skin, the enzymic activity was increased to a level at least twice that found in orthokeratosis. Since ICDH(NAD) activity reflects an aspect of mitochondrial function, the results suggest that mitochondrial activity may be important in control of keratinization.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anthracenes; Anthralin; Humans; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Keratins; Keratosis; Middle Aged; Mitochondria; NAD; Parakeratosis; Psoriasis; Skin

A correlative histocytological study for keratinization was done in 446 cases of oral leukoplakia. Cytologically, keratinization could be correctly identified in 91% of leukoplakias exhibiting orthokeratosis, 73% of leukoplakias exhibiting parakeratosis, and 78% of cases showing both types of keratinization. Cytologically, orthokeratosis was present in 83% of individuals with homogeneous leukoplakia and in 69% with ulcerated leukoplakia, while parakeratosis was present in 7% of homogeneous leukoplakias and in 19% of ulcerated leukoplakias. A higher frequency of dysplasia was observed in smears and their corresponding histological sections for those cases which had revealed only parakeratosis in the cytological examination and for both orthokeratosis and parakeratosis as compared to those showing only orthokeratosis. It is suggested that the cytological method is a reliable method for studying oral keratinization and is of value to the clinician in identifying the type of leukoplakias which may need to be biopsied for further surveillance.

Topics: Cytoplasmic Granules; Humans; Keratins; Keratosis; Leukoplakia, Oral; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Parakeratosis

Weanling rats were fed a zinc-deificient diet, 1.3 ppm zinc, for four weeks. Parakeratotic changes of the buccal epithelium were studied by electron microscopy. The incomplete disintegration of the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles in the horny layer is deemed to be due to insufficient function of zinc-related lytic enzymes.

Topics: Animals; Cell Nucleus; Chromatin; Cytoplasmic Granules; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Keratins; Keratosis; Male; Mouth Mucosa; Organoids; Parakeratosis; Rats; Ribosomes; Zinc

Twelve phenolic fractions of creosote and anthracene oils derived from a high temperature tar were applied in an ointment base to mouse tail skin. After treatment with the higher boiling acids, formerly parakeratotic scale areas underwent granular layer induction and 'basket-weave' keratin was produced. Changes in distribution of acid phosphatase and in horny layer fluorescence were consistent with the conversion to an orthokeratotic state. It is suggested that some of these phenols may be of value in the treatment of chronic psoriasis.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Anthracenes; Coal Tar; Creosote; Keratins; Mice; Parakeratosis; Phenols; Psoriasis; Skin

Topics: Electrons; Epidermis; Keratins; Microscopy; Microscopy, Electron; Parakeratosis; Psoriasis; Skin

Topics: Electrons; Epidermis; Keratins; Microscopy; Microscopy, Electron; Parakeratosis; Psoriasis