Study on the identification of mononuclear cells in the cutaneous infiltration of several dermatoses using a. n. a. e. and anti-t cell monoclonal antibody staining

Abstract

A.N.A.E. (acid -naphtyl acetate eaterase) staining and monoclonal antibodies have recently been used for the characterization of mononuculear cells in various dermatoses. A.N.A.E. staining was reported as a specific T cell marker for human T lymphocytes. Monoclonal antibodies, termed OKT 3, react with all peripheral T cells. Also, OKT 4 reacts with T cells, which perform helper activities, and OKT 8 reacts with T cells, performing suppressor activities. Normal human tonsils and 60 cases of various dermatoses were studied by the A.N.A.E. staining method. Furthermore, normal human tonsils and 6 cases of lichen planus were studied with OKT 3, 4 and 8. The results summarized are as follows : 1) A high percentage of A.N.A.E. positive cells were found at the paracortical area of the tonsil. 2) In sections of eczema, dermatitis and prurigo, A.N.A.E. negative cells were predominant at the dermis. 3) In a section of granuloma annulare, a preponderance of B cells were observed at the perivascular lesion, which suggest humoral immunity mechanism at play. 4) In mononuclear cells, observed in cases of erythematosquamous dermatoses, especially in lichen planus, A.N.A.E. positive cells were predominant. 5) On a specimen of cutaneous T cell lymphoma group, a great number of lymphocytes in the vicinity of the epidermis were observed as A.N.A.E. positive. 6) In sections of cutaneous malignant tumors, most mononuclear cells, attached closely at tumor nests, were A.N.A.E. positive, which suggests the “ mechanism of tumor exclusion “. 7) According to findings on OKT 3, 4 and 8 staining in lichen planus, band-like infiltrated cells located directly under the epidermis consisted mainly of T cells, as with the findings on A.N.A.E. staining. Furthermore, the findings on OKT 4 showed 70 % of the T cells to be helper T cells. It was also found that the closer the site of the infietration was adjacent to the epidermis, the higher was the density of helper T cells. This fact suggests that basal keratinocytes serve as important factors in the histogenesis of this dermatosis. © 1984, The Showa University Society. All rights reserved.