The skin has previously been implicated in the process of Dupuytren's disease. The dermal dendrocyte is a factor XIIIa positive cell, which has been found in normal skin and some pathological conditions associated with fibrosis. In this study we examined the distribution of factor XIIIa positive cells in and around tissue from Dupuytren's disease. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a panel of antibodies for factor XIIIa, macrophages (CD68 and MAC387) and MHC II. Many factor XIIIa positive dendritic cells were present in and around Dupuytren's tissue; fewer CD68 and MHC II positive cells and very few MAC387 cells were seen. We propose that the factor XIIIa positive cells are dermal dendrocytes. This study may indicate an important link between the skin and pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease.

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