M Kakepis1,2, S Havaki3, A Katoulis2, A Katsambas4, N Stavrianeas2, T G Troupis5. 1. Department of Dermatology, 'Henry Dunant' Hospital, Athens, Greece. 2. 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 'Attikon' General University Hospital, Athens, Greece. 3. Department of Histology and Embryology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. 4. 1st Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 'Andreas Syggros' Hospital, Athens, Greece. 5. Department of Anatomy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few published data, concerning the electron microscopy findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis have been published so far. OBJECTIVES: To reveal the electron microscopic findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and their aetiopathogenetic associations. METHODS: Punch biopsy specimens from four patients with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, after being properly processed, were observed under the electron microscope. RESULTS: In the epidermis, melanocytes and melanosomes were normal in structure. In some areas, there was a reduced uptake of melanosomes by the keratinocytes. In the dermis, fibroblasts were structurally normal. Also, most elastic and collagen fibres were normal, but there were focal elastotic changes. CONCLUSIONS: No significant structural abnormality of the melanocytes was observed, but rather a functional defect in the transfer of melanosomes from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes.
BACKGROUND: Few published data, concerning the electron microscopy findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis have been published so far. OBJECTIVES: To reveal the electron microscopic findings of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and their aetiopathogenetic associations. METHODS: Punch biopsy specimens from four patients with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, after being properly processed, were observed under the electron microscope. RESULTS: In the epidermis, melanocytes and melanosomes were normal in structure. In some areas, there was a reduced uptake of melanosomes by the keratinocytes. In the dermis, fibroblasts were structurally normal. Also, most elastic and collagen fibres were normal, but there were focal elastotic changes. CONCLUSIONS: No significant structural abnormality of the melanocytes was observed, but rather a functional defect in the transfer of melanosomes from the melanocytes to the keratinocytes.