BACKGROUND: The immortalized human keratinocyte line, HaCaT cells have been widely used as substitutes for normal epidermal keratinocytes. Recently, reconstruction of a skin equivalent using HaCaT cells showed a multilayered epithelium,but somewhat different tissue architecture as compared with normal epidermis. OBJECTIVE: In this study, using HaCaT cells we tried to reconstruct an epidermis resembling more closely to normal epidermis than the previous results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HaCaT cells were cultured in air-liquid interface on a recently developed dermal substrated in our laboratory, de-epidermized dermis (DED) raised on fibroblast-populated collagen matrix and the result was compared with those on DED or fibroblast-populated collagen matrix alone. RESULTS: HaCaT cells on the new dermal substrate formed a multilayered epithelium with rete ridges, showing rather orderly cellular organization compared with those on fibroblast-populated collagen matrix. However, horny and granular layers were not observed contrary to normal epidermis. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that differentiation markers such as keratin 1, keratin 6 and involucrin showed the similar pattern to those in HaCaT cells cultured on fibroblast-populated collagen matrix. Markers of terminal differentiation, loricrin and filaggrin were not expressed contrary to normal epidermis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that organotypic culture HaCaT cells on the dermal substrate combines DED with fivroblast-populated collagen matrix results in incomplete differentiation of HaCaT cells contrary to normal keratinocytes.
Antigens, Differentiation ; Collagen* ; Dermis* ; Epidermis ; Epithelium ; Humans ; Keratin-1 ; Keratin-6 ; Keratinocytes ; Skin

BACKGROUND: Melanocytes grown in pure monolayer culure lack many of the cellular interactions that exist in vivo. This can be partially overcome by growing melanocytes together with other epidermal cells in skin equivalent models. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to grow human melanocytes in human epidermis reconstructed on dermal substrates in vitro and to examine their response to UV radiation. METHODS: The skin equivalents were prepared by seeding cultured human keratinocytes together with cultured human melanocytes(in a ratio of 5%) onto de-epidermized dermis. After 7 days of culture, they were exposed to UVB irradiation(total 150m J/cm over 5days). On day 12 of air exposure the sections of the skin equivalents were prepared for histology. The structure of the skin equivalents was studied following staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Melanocytes were characterized by DOPA staining and by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Melanocytes were localized singly within the basal layer of the reconstructs. Melanin was also visible both in the melanocytes and in neighboring keratinocytes. There was an increase in melanocyte size and dendricity following UV irradiation. Melanocytes became positive to staining with HMB-45 antibody following UV irradiation. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that melanocytes grown in reconstructed human epidermis are functional and capable of responding to UV irradiation.
Dermis ; Dihydroxyphenylalanine ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Epidermis* ; Hematoxylin ; Humans* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratinocytes ; Melanins ; Melanocytes* ; Skin

PURPOSE: To illustrate frequently encountered anatomic variations on PNS computed tomography(CT) and to assess their clinical significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT findings of 1523 patients, who underwent PNS CT with no history of sinus surgery, were reviewed, and prevalence of each anatomic variation and its relationship with mucociliary clearance pathway was evaluated. RESULTS: Two categories of anatomic variations were encountered. The first group included variations of the turbinates, such as concha bullosa(28.6% ), paradoxical middle turbinate(31.5%), of the uncinate process, such as medially bent or folded(36.3%), laterally bent(3.7%) or uncinate bulla(0.5%), of the ethmoidal sinus, such as Haller's ce11(28.2%), large agger nasi ce11(9.6%) or large ethmoidal bulla(23.5%) and nasal septal deviation(24. 1%), which might cause obstruction of mucociliary clearance pathway and thus give rise to secondary obstructive sinusitis. The second group included Onodi ce11(1.4%) and medial depression of the lamina papyracea (3.5%), which were not related with obstructive sinusitis. 87 cases of large agger nasi cell were associated with obstruction of nasofrontal recess. Large ethmoidal bulla(452 cases), Haller's ce11(245 cases) and true concha bullosa (25 cases) contributed to narrowing of the infundibulum. Medially bent uncinate process(220 cases), concha bullosa(157 cases), paradoxical middle turbinate(126 cases) and nasal septal deviation(93 cases) were observed in middle meatal obstruction and supreme concha (3 cases) accompanied sphenoethmoidal recess obstruction. CONCLUSION: Recognition of anatomic variations on PNS CT is important to build a treatment plan in patients with obstructive sinusitis as they may represent causes of the disease, and to avoid critical complications during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Anatomic Variation ; Depression ; Humans ; Mucociliary Clearance ; Prevalence ; Sinusitis ; Turbinates

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and CT findings of the medial depression and bony dehiscence of lamina papyracea as an anatomic variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1472 PNS CTs of the patients with symptoms of chronic sinusitis were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The total incidence of depressed lamina papyracea as an anatomic variation was 3.5%(52/1472) on PNS CT. There was a statistically significant correlation between the increasing age and the incidence of delamina papyracea. Depression of lamina papyracea anterior to the basal lamella were more common those of the posterior depression. Associated findings were herniation of adjacent fatty tissue in all cases and the roedial bowing and hypertrophied configuration of the medial rectus muscle without significant herniation in 19 cases(34%). CONCLUSION: Nontraumatic, asymptomatic depression with bony dehiscence of lamina papyracea as an anatomic variation is not uncommon with the incidence of 3.5%. Recognition of its existence and degree may helpful in avoiding various ocular complication during ethmoid surgery.
Adipose Tissue ; Anatomic Variation* ; Depression* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sinusitis

BACKGROUND: Histologic distinction between various fibrohistiocytic tumors of the skin may sometimes be difficult. Recently, several immunohistochemical markers of "histiocytes and "facultative fibroblasts" have been introduced and used for the study of some fibrohistiocytic tumors of the skin. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether immunostatining with MAC 387, antibodies to S-100 protein, factor Xllla(FXllla) and CD 34 allows distinction between various fibrohistiocytic tumors of the skin in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. METHODS: Paraffin-embedded specimens of dermatofibroma, keloid, hypertrophic scar, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans(DFSP), neurofibroma, and juvenlie xanthogranuloma were investigated with MAC 387, antibodies to S-100 protein, CD 34 and FXllla using avidin-biotin -peroxidase complex method. RESULTS: In all fibrous dermatofibromas (n=26), 20-90% of constituent cells were positive for FXllla. Focal or diffuse CD 34 reactivity was present in DFSP (n=2). Weak reactivity for CD 34 and consistent labeling for S-100 protein were found in neurofibromas (n=5). Tumor cells showed negative for FXllla, CD 34 and S-100 protein in keloids (n=2), hypertrophic scars (n=6), and juvenile xanthogranulomas (n=5). MAC 387 did not label tumor cells of the fibrobistiocytic tumors we have studied. CONCLUSION: Immunostaining of paraffin-embedded specimens with antibodies to S-100 protein, FXllla and CD 34 may be useful in the differential diagnoses of fibrohistiocytic tumors of the skin.
Antibodies ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; Dermatofibrosarcoma ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous ; Keloid ; Methods ; Neurofibroma ; S100 Proteins ; Skin* ; Xanthogranuloma, Juvenile

Candidiasis is the most common fungal infection complicating the course of patients with hematologic malignant neoplasms. Although widespread organ involvement is characteristic of disseminated candidiasis, reports of skin are rare. Reports describing typical clinical and histopathological finding of cutaneous lesions are very important since it may enable a diagnosis of disseminated candidiasis to be made and thus antifungal therapy can be initiated earlier. A 50-year-old housewife was admitted with a 5-month history of fatigue and easy bruising. She was diagnosed as ha.ving acute myelocytic leukemia and treatment was begun with daunorubicin and cytosin, arabinoside. Eight days after the start of chemotherapy, she developed a fever and generalized tender well demacated erythematous to purplish papulonodular eruption. A biopsy specimen from the skin lesion showed perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration and spore and pseudohypae v,rere found within the dermis and subcutis in PAS stain. Cultures of one skin biopsy specimen and one of four blood sarnples grew Candida tropicalis. The patient was treated with intravenous amphotericin B for disseminated candidiasis. On the tenth day of antifun gal therapy, she developed cardiopulmonary arrest and died.
Amphotericin B ; Biopsy ; Candida tropicalis ; Candidiasis* ; Daunorubicin ; Dermis ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy ; Fatigue ; Fever ; Heart Arrest ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Middle Aged ; Skin Manifestations* ; Skin* ; Spores

We quantitatively analyzed the changes of the (retinal) threshold sensitivities between normal status and dilated emmetropic status, and between dilated emmetropic status and -1.0D induced myopic status. Three consecutive visual field examinations by Humphrey Field Analyzer C-30-2 threshold test and STATPAC program were performed in 36 eyes of 21 normal subjects who ranged in age from 23 to 40 years. The results were as follows: 1) There was a statistically significant decrease (0.87 +/- 0.91dB)in the mean threshold sensitivity within the central 30 degrees at the dilated emmetropic status (27.90dB) as compared with the normal status (28.77dB)(p = 0.0001). 2) There was a statistically significant decrease(0.99 +/- 0.61dB) at -1.0D induced myopic status(26.91dB) as compared with the dilated emmetropic status(27.90dB)(p = 0.0001). 3) After dilation, the mean threshold sensitivity between 20 and 30 degrees of field showed statistically significant decrease as compared with those within the central 20 degrees of visual field(p < 0.05). In case of -1.0D induced myopia, there were uniform decreases in the mean threshold sensitivities within the central 30 degrees of visual field (p > 0.05). Therefore, we emphasize the importance of consistent pupillary size and correct refractive state in performing the serial automated visual field tests.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Myopia/etiology/*physiopathology ; Pupil/drug effects ; Pupil Disorders/chemically induced/*physiopathology ; Retina/physiology ; Sensory Thresholds/*physiology ; Tropicamide/pharmacology ; Visual Field Tests ; Visual Fields/*physiology

No abstract available.
Infant, Newborn ; Meconium Aspiration Syndrome* ; Meconium* ; Mortality ; Suction*

BACKGROUND: Erythema induratum was first described by Bazin in association with tuberculosis. However, the tuberculous cause of this entity has been questioned by several authors and gradually, the concept of nontiiberculous nodular vasculitis has been accepted OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to document the clinicopathologic features of erythema induratum. METHODS: We investigated clinical and histopathological findings of 31 patient with erythema induratum who showed positive tuberculin hypersensitivity reaction or had active associated tuberculosis. RESULTS: The ages of the 31 patients(M7: F24) ranged from 13 to 66 years(mean 37.1 years). All patients displayed recurrent crops of tender, painful, violaceous noudules or plaques. Most lesions were present on the legs, but they also occurred on the thighs, feet, buttocks, and forearms. The skin lesions evolved for several weeks and healed with scarring and residual pigmentation. Histological examination revealed lobular or septolobular panniculitis with varying cornbinations of granulomatous inflammaticn, primary vasculitis and necrosis in most biopsies. Twenty two patients were treated with isoniazid alone and the remaining 9 patients received combination anti tuberculous treatment. Relapses were encountered in 4 patients who received isoniazid alone or stopped the medicationrgainst medical advice. CONCLUSION: A diagncisis of erythema induratum should be rendered in the presence of relevant clinicopathologic features, strong positive Mantoux test reaction, and good therapeutic response to antituberculous treatme,it. A full course of combination antituberculous therapy is indicated to achieve a cure of the skin lesions of erythema induratum.
Biopsy ; Buttocks ; Cicatrix ; Erythema Induratum* ; Erythema* ; Foot ; Forearm ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Isoniazid ; Leg ; Necrosis ; Panniculitis ; Pigmentation ; Recurrence ; Skin ; Thigh ; Tuberculin ; Tuberculosis ; Vasculitis

BACKGROUND: It is a popular notion that cutaneous ageing includes two distinct phenomenon; true ageing, a universal presumably inevitable change attributable to the passage of time alone, and photoageing, changes attributable to chronic habitual sun exposure that are neither universal nor inevitable. Numerous investigations with experimental animals, in vitro skin models have been conducted, although, few histological studies to date have attempted to announce fundamental morphological changes with innate ageing. OBJECTIVE: We compared skin derived from the breast of old and young persons using light microscopy to discern structural changes in epidermal and dermal morphology with advancing age. METHODS: The histological, immunohistochemical studies were performed with normal skin sections of thirty donors who were diagnosed with breast cancer. They were classified into three age cohort groups; nine into group I (22 to 38), twelve into group II(40 to 52), and nine into group III(54 to 87). We chose the breast as an area that might closely resemble intrinsically aged skin. This region is relatively shielded from photoageing by its anatomical location. Analysis of data was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA test for dermal parameters based on a 5-point rating scale, and a simple regression test for a positive rate of immunoreactants. Results : 1. Light microscopic appearance of aged skin revealed a more flattened epidermis than young skin. There was no trend for an increase in epidermal melanin content per unit area on Fontana-Masson staining. There was an age-associated decrease in the Ki-67 positive rate(p<0.001), the density of Ki-67 positive cells declined approximately 1.16% per decade in photoprotected skin(p<0.001). The number of S-100 positive cells declined approximately 4.4/mm width along the dermo-epidermal juction per decade in photoprotected skin(p<0.001). The expression of differentiation markers(keratin 1, involucrin, filaggrin, loricrin) were not different among the three age cohort groups. 2. With advancing age, there was an attenuation in the number and diameter of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis and an increase in the number and straightness of the same fibers in the reticular dermis. The collagen fibers are arranged in sparse bundles in disarray, and/or aggregates of loosely woven, straight fibers in the aged skin. There was an apparent, age-related decrease in the stainability of ground substances in the papillary dermis on colloidal iron staining. Conclusions : Our data documents semi-quantitative differences among three groups in intrinsically aged breast skin and provide the framework for future research to evaluate the ageing process.
Animals ; Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Cohort Studies ; Collagen ; Colloids ; Dermis ; Elastic Tissue ; Epidermis ; Humans ; Iron ; Melanins ; Microscopy ; Skin* ; Solar System ; Tissue Donors