Immunohistochemical evaluation of androgen receptors in genital and extragenital lichen sclerosus: evidence for loss of androgen receptors in lesional epidermis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Reduction of lichen sclerosus has been seen with topical testosterone, and spontaneous resolution has been attributed to increasing androgen levels.

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to investigate the role of androgens in lichen sclerosus by studying lesional skin and site-specific normal skin for the presence of androgen receptors.

METHODS:

Immunoperoxidase staining for androgen receptors was performed on lesional tissue from 31 patients and microscopically compared with site-specific normal skin.

RESULTS:

Androgen receptors were present in normal genital and extragenital skin. Lesional genital and extragenital areas showed decreased staining compared with site-specific controls. Finally staining was decreased in histologically well-developed lesions compared with early lesions.

CONCLUSION:

This study provides evidence for the loss of androgen receptors with disease progression in both genital and extragenital skin affected by lichen sclerosus. These findings support a hormonal pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus and may be significant in the treatment of the disease.

• Authors: M M Clifton, I B Garner, S Kohler, B R Smoller
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 41 Issue 1 Pg. 43-6 (Jul 1999) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10411409 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Androgen

Topics

• Female
• Genital Diseases, Female (metabolism)
• Genital Diseases, Male (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus (metabolism)
• Male
• Receptors, Androgen (analysis)
• Skin (chemistry)