Skin Biopsy: Emerging Method for Small Nerve Fiber Evaluation

Abstract

Skin biopsy with investigation of small nerve fiber in human epidermis and dermis has been proven to be a useful method for demonstration of small fiber neuropathy. Quantification of intraepidermal nerve fiber density using an-ti-Protein Gene Product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) antibody is standardized method to diagnose the small fiber neuropathy. Skin biopsy method also makes it possible to differentiate the type of nerve fibers by using different antibodies. Quantifica-tion of dermal structures with different type of nerve fibers could be used to invest pathophysiologic mechanism of diseased state. (Korean J Clin Neurophysiol 2015;17:53-60)