Macrophages and tumor necrosis factor alpha in toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We studied the immunopathologic characteristics of five cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis by using a large panel of antibodies.

OBSERVATIONS:

The pattern and amount of the inflammatory cell infiltrate varied according to the stage of the disease. The main constant feature was the prominent involvement of the monocyte-macrophage lineage, including factor XIIIa+HLA-DR+ dendrocytes and CD68+ Mac 387+ macrophages, before and during the epidermal necrosis. The number of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes was comparatively small. This was associated with a dense labeling of the epidermis for tumor necrosis factor alpha.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage largely outnumber lymphocytes in the lesions of toxic epidermal necrolysis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha is likely a major cytokine that is responsible for necrosis.

• Authors: P Paquet, A Nikkels, J E Arrese, A Vanderkelen, G E Piérard
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 130 Issue 5 Pg. 605-8 (May 1994) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 8179342 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Humans
• Leukocyte Count
• Lymphocytes
• Macrophages
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (immunology, pathology)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (biosynthesis)