Immunohistochemistry in cutaneous pathology

Abstract

Since the first demonstration of skin antibodies in sera of pemphigus patients by IF (Beutner & Jordon 1964), the scope of skin diseases in which immunologic findings may be of interest has enormously enlarged and dermatology remains one of the leading clinical specialities applying IHC in both diagnosis and research. Immunohistological techniques and, to a lesser degree, immunocytological techniques, have been developed to include not only IF, but also immunoenzymatic methods. Even if not all immunological findings may be disease specific and diagnostic, immunohistological techniques have become a very useful tool for studying skin biopsies in connection with serological methods. Their importance could be increased with rapid development to a new field: the study of normal skin constituents; e.g. Ag, collagen, keratin, with the help of specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.

Value of routine diagnostic criteria of bullous pemphigoid

“…The lack of ''perfect'' diagnostic criteria and the arbitrary use of some of the customary criteria necessitate the critical evaluation of all data as a whole. 14 The prime diagnostic role of clinical findings is unquestionable; it was shown in our series, however, that when stringent criteria are followed, as mentioned by some authors, 15 one-third of patients may be misdiagnosed. Characteristic BP histology provides an invaluable diagnostic tool in study populations with uncommon occurrence of the disease, 16 such as examined by a general pathologist.…”

“…9 DIF indicating linear BMZ fluorescence from in vivo C3 and/or IgG antibodies is considered to be almost 100% sensitive in the diagnosis of BP. 2,14 There are studies, however, that report only 60-90% sensitivity. 19 Many of the false negatives may ultimately become positive if repeated DIF examinations are made, as proposed by many authors 20 and noticed by us.…”

Granular‐cell tumours of the skin do not express carcino‐embryonic antigen

“…Immunohistoehemical teehniques have become a useful tool to study skin biopsies, and may help in establishing the histogenetic origin of a tumoral proliferation (2,3). Sueh studies have already been performed in GCT, but the results obtained are as yet ineonelusive and sometimes controversial.…”

Η Συμβολη Του Αμεσου Φθορισμου Στη Μελετη Του Πομφωλυγωδους Πεμφιγοειδους

“…Κυκλοφορούντα IgG αντισώματα κατά της βασικής μεμβράνας των επιθηλίων, απουσιάζουν σχεδόν σταθερά από τον ορό του 20-30% 49 • 91 ,ΐ03,ΐ3ΐ ,29ΐ ,397 ή και του 40% των ασθενών με Π.Π. 153 .…”