Papulonodular mucinosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: Possible mechanisms of increased glycosaminoglycan accumulation

Abstract

Background: The mechanism for the production of papulonodular mucinosis in patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) is not known. Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether fibroblasts in a patient with LE and papulonodular mucinosis produced more mucin than normal fibroblasts and whether this mucin production could be stimulated by the patient's serum. Methods: Skin fibroblasts from a patient with systemic LE and massive papulonodular mucin deposition, as well as normal fibroblasts, were incubated in the presence of serum from the patient or from a healthy volunteer. The production of glycosaminoglycan by fibroblasts was analyzed. Results: Fibroblasts from the patient produced more glycosaminoglycan than did normal fibroblasts. Glycosaminoglycan production was increased in all cells when incubated in the presence of the patient's serum. Conclusion: Cutaneous mucin deposition in patients with papulonodular LE skin lesions is associated with increased glycosaminoglycan production by dermal fibroblasts. Our preliminary observations suggest glycosaminoglycan production by these fibroblasts appears to be stimulated by a factor, (or factors) in the patient's serum that is yet to be identified. © 1995.