Role of endothelin-1 in hyperpigmentation in seborrhoeic keratosis.

Abstract

Seborrhoeic keratosis (SK) is a benign epidermal tumour with a varying degree of pigmentation. We have recently demonstrated that endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a strong keratinocyte-derived mitogen and melanogen for human melanocytes in UVB-induced melanosis. To clarify the role of ET-1 in hyperpigmentation in SK, we have used immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to see whether the production of ET-1 is accentuated in SK. Immunohistochemical analysis in SK (n = 7; acanthotic and deeply pigmented types) revealed marked immunostaining with anti-ET-1 in almost all basaloid and basal cells as compared with definite staining confined to basal cells in the perilesional normal controls. In parallel, RT-PCR of ET-1 mRNA demonstrated accentuated expression of ET-1 transcript in SK (n = 4) in comparison with that in the perilesional normal controls, accompanied by a similarly accentuated expression of tyrosinase mRNA. These findings suggest that ET-1 plays a part in the hyperpigmentation seen in SK.

• Authors: E Teraki, S Tajima, I Manaka, M Kawashima, M Miyagishi, G Imokawa
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 135 Issue 6 Pg. 918-23 (Dec 1996) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 8977712 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Endothelin-1
• RNA, Messenger
• Monophenol Monooxygenase

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Endothelin-1 (analysis, genetics, physiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation (etiology, metabolism)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Keratinocytes (metabolism)
• Keratosis, Seborrheic (complications, metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Monophenol Monooxygenase (genetics)
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)