Mast cell invasion of peripheral nerve in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis.

To ascertain whether or not a spatial relationship between mast cells and peripheral nerves is present in skin lesions of atopic dermatitis, 10 biopsy specimens of the skin lesions were examined with both semi-thin and ultrathin serial sections. Mast cell invasion of peripheral nerves was observed in 9 out of the 10 biopsy specimens (4 subacute lesions, 3 lichenified lesions, and 3 prurigo lesions). The mast cells within peripheral nerves often showed degranulation, and the nerve fiber bundle showed conspicuous edema. The degranulation of mast cells within peripheral nerve bundles and edema of the nerve bundle may pay a role in provoking or aggravating itchiness of atopic dermatitis.