BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a potentially severe mucocutaneous affliction whose cause is usually drug related. To further characterize the nature of the dermal mononuclear infiltrate as well as the epidermal alterations observed by standard microscopy, we studied five cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis using labeled monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: On clinically involved areas of skin, the following occurs: (1) the dermal infiltrate is composed mainly of activated T lymphocytes, with a predominant helper phenotype; (2) the number of Langerhans cells is decreased; and (3) keratinocytes express HLA-DR molecules, normally absent on their surface. CONCLUSIONS: These findings, although not specific, are consistent with an immune cellular reaction, but they could also be linked to an inflammatory reaction initiated by epidermal damages whatever its primary mechanism.
BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a potentially severe mucocutaneous affliction whose cause is usually drug related. To further characterize the nature of the dermal mononuclear infiltrate as well as the epidermal alterations observed by standard microscopy, we studied five cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis using labeled monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: On clinically involved areas of skin, the following occurs: (1) the dermal infiltrate is composed mainly of activated T lymphocytes, with a predominant helper phenotype; (2) the number of Langerhans cells is decreased; and (3) keratinocytes express HLA-DR molecules, normally absent on their surface. CONCLUSIONS: These findings, although not specific, are consistent with an immune cellular reaction, but they could also be linked to an inflammatory reaction initiated by epidermal damages whatever its primary mechanism.
Authors: L Le Cleach; S Delaire; L Boumsell; M Bagot; I Bourgault-Villada; A Bensussan; J C Roujeau Journal: Clin Exp Immunol Date: 2000-01 Impact factor: 4.330
Authors: Mun Ki Choi; Hyun Young Woo; Jeong Heo; Mong Cho; Gwang Ha Kim; Geun Am Song; Moon Bum Kim Journal: Ann Dermatol Date: 2011-12-27 Impact factor: 1.444
Authors: F Lebargy; P Wolkenstein; M Gisselbrecht; F Lange; J Fleury-Feith; C Delclaux; E Roupie; J Revuz; J C Roujeau Journal: Intensive Care Med Date: 1997-12 Impact factor: 17.440