Search Results

1.Detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in cutaneous lesions of erythema multiforme by the polymerase chain reaction.

The basic concept of the laser was first described by Einstein in 1917. Laser is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". The applications of laser light to the field of medicine were begun in 1960s. Since that time there has been a great increase in the development of laser technology and in the understanding of laser-target tissue interactions. The theory of selective photothermolysis mans that a chromophore can be selectively damaged with a laser light of an appropriate wavelength and of a suitably short pulse duration that is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the chromophore. The introduction of pulsed tunable dye lasers has considerably improved the treatment of vascular lesions, particularly light pink nevus flammeus in children. The argon pumped dye laser and copper vapor laser may be better for telangiectatic and the hypertrophic nevus flammeus often seen in adults. Since the Q-switched and pused green light lasers are capable of selective photothermolysis of melanosomes and tattoo dyes, their efficacy has been under investigation for the treatment of pigmented lesions. The automated delivery systems such as Hexascan produce a superior cosmetic result when compared with manual delivery of laser light and the risk of scarring is reduced. Further comparative study is needed to determine which lesions respond best to each laser system, and which treatment techniques are optimal. Treatment combining more than one of these laser systems may prove superior to any of them used alone.
Adult ; Argon ; Child ; Cicatrix ; Coloring Agents ; Dermatology* ; Humans ; Lasers, Dye ; Lasers, Gas ; Melanosomes ; Port-Wine Stain ; Relaxation

3.Study on the Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor on Epidermal and Hair Growth in the Mouse.

Yoo Shin LEE ; Jee Ho CHOI

Korean Journal of Dermatology 1985;23(6):726-735

Epiclerrnal growth factor(EGF), a low-molecular-weight polypeptide chain consisting of 53 amino acids, stimulates the growth and keratinization of epidermal cells. Recently, some authors reported that hair growth rate and follicular bulb growth were inhibited by EGF in neonatal mice. Since the hair and follicular cells are of epidermal origin, the effect of EGF would appear to be inconsistent with its role promoting the proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells in vivo and in vitro. We have investigated the effects of EGF on the hair and epidermis in adult male mouse. The results are summarized as follows: l. 1'he hair length and maximum diameter were significantly reduced in EGF- treated regions compared with control group, and inhibition of hair growth was correlated with EGF dose. Thickness of the epidermis was significantly increased in EGF-treated regions compared with control group, and proliferation of the epidermis was correlated with EGF dose. 3 There were no significant differences in the hair length, maximum diameter, and egidermal thickness between untreated contralateral right mid-side regions of EGF-treated groups and control group.
Adult ; Amino Acids ; Animals ; Epidermal Growth Factor* ; Epidermis ; Hair* ; Humans ; Male ; Mice*

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation and incomplete differentiation of keratinocytes. Mounting scientific evidence suggests that this epidermal alteration occurs as a response to an immunologic injury, giving rise to the concept that psoriasis is a skin-specific autoimmune disease. Indeed, many effective therapeutic agents for psoriasis are immunosuppressive in nature, lending further support to this view. The well known ability of calcipotriene and 1,25(OH)2D3 to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation and to induce its differentiation is certainly compatible with their antipsoriatic actions. In addition, topical calcipotriene has been shown to correct, at least in part, the local cytokine imbalance observed in psoriatic lesions. Interleukin (IL)-8 is a proinflammatory cytokine that is chemotactic for polymorphonuclear cells and T lymphocytes. It also promotes proliferation of keratinocytes and endothelial cells. In lesional psoriatic skin, IL-8 and its receptor levels are markedly elevated. IL-10 is an immunosuppressive cytokine, which as a type2 (T2) cytokine antagonizes cell-mediated immunity. Indeed, IL-10 administration has been shown to improve psoriasis. Topical calcipotriene markedly reduces elevated levels of IL-8 while simultaneously increasing IL-10 levels in lesional skin of psoriasis. These changes occur very early, within the first three days of therapy, prior to significant clinical improvement of psoriasis, indicating that the cytokine alterations are not simply secondary to resolution of psoriatic plaques. Therefore, elaboration of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 and a concomitant reduction in the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8 may mediate the immunopharmacological improvementin psoriasis by calcipotriene.
Autoimmune Diseases ; Cholecalciferol ; Cytokines ; Endothelial Cells ; Immunity, Cellular ; Immunosuppression ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-8 ; Interleukins ; Keratinocytes ; Psoriasis ; Skin Diseases ; Skin* ; T-Lymphocytes ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins*