Detection of Antibodies to Human Keratinocytes in Vitiligo by Western blotting.
- Author:
Jin Moon KANG
1
;
Soo Min KIM
;
Seung Kyung HANN
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Vitiligo;
Anti-keratinocyte antibody;
Western blot
- MeSH:
Antibodies*;
Blotting, Western*;
Cytoplasm;
Humans*;
Keratinocytes*;
Melanins;
Melanocytes;
Vitiligo*
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
1998;36(4):589-594
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: It has been reported that immunological mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Cellular degeneration in vitiligo is not limited to melanocytes but includes keratinocytes and probably whole epidermal melanin units. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the presence of anti-keratinocyte antibodies and the relationship between the level of antibodies and activity of the disease. METHODS: We analyzed the level of anti-keratinocyte antibodies in 13 patients with non-active, segmental vitiligo and 7 patients with active, non-segmental vitiligo by Western blotting. RESULTS: Using the Western blot method, we demonstrated the occurrence of anti-keratinocyte antibodies with keratinocyte cytoplasm. Anti-keratinocyte antibodies were more reactive in patients with active, non-segmental vitiligo than in those with non-active, segmental vitiligo. CONCLUSION: These results may be a secondary phenomenon to keratinocyte damage with concurrent occurrence of melanocyte destruction. However, the level of these antibodies may represent the acitivity of vitiligo.
