No abstract

Epidermal fatty acid-binding protein (E-FABP),previously characterized in human keratinocytes, is a cytoplas mic protein of 15 kD that specifically binds fatty acids (FAs), Previous PAGE-immunoblotting studies indicated that several human tissues display an immunoreactive band with an elec trophoretic mobility identical to that of E-FABP. The aim of this study was to determine in which cells, other than kerati nocytes, E-FABP might be expressed-By immunohis to chemis try, we show that E-FABP is expressed in endothelial cells of the microvasculature of the placenta, heart, skeletal muscle, small intestine, lung, and renal medulla. Interestingly, in lung, a tissue of endodermal origin, E-FABP staining was also

In 1895, Kaposi used the term ‘lichen ruber acuminatus verrucosus et reticularis’ to describe the case of a 27-year-old woman with a linear, warty lichenoid eruption. We have reviewed the literature and found 50 cases, of which only 40 had common features reminiscent of the original description of Kaposi. These ‘authentic’ cases of keratosis lichenoides chronica (KLC) showed strong clinical and histological similarity, a uniformity indicating that KLC is an entity and is distinct from lichen planus. KLC may be associated with internal diseases such as glomerulonephritis and lymphoproliferative disorders.

Background: Schnitzler’s syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by chronic urticaria and monoclonal IgM gammopathy. The mechanisms of the urticarial flares remain poorly understood. Objective: To more accurately define the histopathologic changes in urticarial lesions, we reviewed 25 original biopsies from 15 cases of Schnitzler’s syndrome, 11 of which have previously been reported. Results: Thirteen specimens from 9 patients showed urticaria with neutrophils (neutrophilic urticaria). Necrotizing leukocytoclastic vasculitis with positive immunofluorescence studies was found only in 2 biopsies from 1 patient who was genetically deficient in C4. Five specimens showed lymphocytic urticaria. Four biopsies demonstrated a spongiotic dermatitis; an eosinophilic spongiosis was seen in 2 biopsies from a patient who later developed pemphigus vulgaris. Epidermal changes were seen in 17 specimens from 10 patients. Conclusions: The histopathologic findings in Schnitzler’s syndrome are not uniform although most cases demonstrated neutrophilic urticaria. Neutrophils in Schnitzler’s syndrome are not usually related to immune complex vasculitis. Epidermal changes in Schnitzler’s syndrome need to be further analyzed.

Background: Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds is a recently described entity characterized by relapsing pustular lesions involving predominantly the cutaneous folds and the scalp. The disease typically occurs in the context of an autoimmune or systemic disease and should be included within the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses. Observation: We describe a patient with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, who developed amicrobial pustulosis of the folds. Strikingly, the patient also exhibited recurrent oral and gastrointestinal manifestations that paralleled the course of the cutaneous signs. Conclusions: Our observation indicates that, in analogy to the other neutrophilic dermatoses, amicrobial pustulosis of the folds can also be complicated by the development of extracutaneous neutrophilic involvement, knowledge of which is critical for its diagnosis and proper management.