Electron microscopic features in psoriatic patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Abstract

We studied the electron microscopic features of 7 psoriatic patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and 14 psoriatic controls. We found a statistically significant difference in frequency of basal keratinocyte herniations (BKH) as well as of BKH with abnormal configuration (broad-based BKH, herniating through wide gaps in the basal lamina; and multipolypoid BKH) in the alpha 1-antitrypsin deficient group. The differences were more marked in the MZ phenotype than in the MS/SS phenotypes. These findings may reflect the changes resulting from defective inhibition of proteolytic enzyme activity in the psoriatic patients with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and support the concept that proteolytic enzyme release and activity may play a role in BKH formation.

• Authors: M C Heng, S G Kloss
• Journal: The Journal of investigative dermatology (J Invest Dermatol) Vol. 87 Issue 1 Pg. 59-64 (Jul 1986) ISSN: 0022-202X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3487595 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Basement Membrane (ultrastructure)
• Epidermis (ultrastructure)
• Humans
• Microscopy, Electron
• Phenotype
• Psoriasis (genetics, pathology)
• Skin (ultrastructure)
• alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency