Presence of Anti‐cytoplasmic Antibodies in a Case of Incontinentia Pigmenti

Abstract

Antibodies against the cytoplasm of normal human epidermal cells were found in both a newborn baby with incontinentia pigmenti and in her normal mother. These antibodies showed no tissue or species specificity as in the case of anti‐nuclear antibodies in SLE. The antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence. The antibody titer in the serum of the baby gradually decreased over a period of months while the mother's titer remained high. The generalized vesiculo‐bullous eruption noted at birth subsided with the decrease of antibody titer. The immunoglobulin class of the antibodies was determined to be IgG, which passes through the placental barrier. It is suggested that the anti‐cytoplasmic antibodies produced by some unknown cause in pregnant women could be transferred to the baby and induce a variety of disorders.

Immunofluorescent tracing of cytoplasmic components involved in keratinocyte differentiation

“…This distinction is obvious in this work. It is supported by the fact that several workers have reported *basal cell antibodies' (Thivolet & Beyvin, 1968;Van Joost, 1974;Ackerman Schopf er a/., 1974;Bystryn, 1976;Ackerman Schopf, 1976;Ablin, i976;Shmunes& Shu, 1977) or'upper'cell antibodies (Bystryn et al., 1973;Burnham, 1974;Ogawa et al., 1975;Abel & Bystryn, 1976). This means that each compartment has, in its cytoplasm, components which diifer in their antigenic properties (as far as we can assume from an immunofluorescent picture that the target antigens are actually in the cytoplasm).…”

Demonstration of Eosinophil Chemotactic Factor in the Blister Fluid of Patient With Incontinentia Pigmenti

“…Increased mast cell numbers (16), high content of histamine (17) and of elevated serum IgE (18) have been reported in IP. On the other hand, Ogawa et al (19) found anti-cytoplasmic antibodies of normal human epidermal cells in both a newborn baby with IP and her normal mother. They suggested that the production of epidermal cell-derived ECF was generated by immune complexes in the lesions.…”