Identification of T-cell subpopulations in granuloma annulare

Abstract

Granuloma annulare is a lymphohistiocytic process of unknown cause characterized by necrobiotic dermal papules. Acetone-fixed frozen sections of eight granuloma annulare lesions were studied for the presence of T-cell subsets, using monoclonal antibodies to T-cell surface antigens. The palisading and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate shows that most of the mononuclear cells are reactive with LEU-1 antibody, which characterizes peripheral T cells and activated T cells. Numerous cells were reactive with LEU-3a antibody, which identifies the helper-inducer T-cell subset. Some cells were positive with LEU-2a antibody, which detects suppressor-cytotoxic cell populations. Masses of histiocytes were identified infiltrating between the collagen fibers and surrounding the central necrobiosis area; the histiocytes showed a very strong diffuse acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterase activity. These findings suggest that a cell-mediated immune response may be the dominant pathogenic event in granuloma annulare.

Histological and immunohistochemical study of granuloma annulare and subcutaneous granuloma annulare in children

“…These above findings are in agreement with the notion that GA represents a Th‐1 delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction in the course of which inflammatory cells elicit matrix degeneration 13 . Generally in GA, particularly on frozen sections, an increased CD4 over CD8 ratio, which is similar to our findings, has been observed 15,17 …”

T-Zone Histiocytes in Granulomatous Skin Diseases

“…Buechner et al [16] found numerous T-hclper cells in gran uloma annulare, which is also confirmed by our results obtained with monoclonal anti bodies OKT 11 and Leu 3a on frozen sec tions. Quismorio et al [17] and M is lira et al [18] demonstrated considerable numbers of T-cells in sarcoidosis lesions and Kveim reactions.…”

Characterizing Granuloma Annulare in 73 Pediatric Patients

“…Tese included viral infections (including Epstein-Barr virus) and trauma (including arthropod bites), consistent with data in existing literature [14]. Te variety of triggers may refect GA's uncertain etiology, which could involve a type IV delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to an unknown antigen [15]. A highly debated topic is whether GA is associated with other conditions, such as metabolic, autoimmune, and neoplastic disorders.…”