Back to Search
Start Over
Possible role of the bulge region in the pathogenesis of inflammatory scarring alopecia: lichen planopilaris as the prototype.
- Source :
-
Journal of cutaneous pathology [J Cutan Pathol] 2005 Nov; Vol. 32 (10), pp. 675-9. - Publication Year :
- 2005
-
Abstract
- Background: Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is the prototype of scarring alopecias that mainly target the infundibuloisthmic (bulge) region of hair follicle. Hair follicle stem cells have been shown to reside in the bulge.<br />Methods: We carried out this study to better define the possible pathogenetic role of the bulge in LPP. Thirty-five cases of LPP were studied. Multiple serial sections of biopsy specimens stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff-diastase, and Elastic van Gieson. The following immunostains were applied: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD1a, and Ki-67. Uninvolved follicles and normal scalp biopsy specimens served as normal controls.<br />Results: All cases showed a lichenoid lymphocytic infiltrate at the bulge region. The bulb area was spared. CD8(+) T cells were increased compared with CD4(+) T-cell population. Langerhans' cells were decreased. Proliferating stem cells, highlighted by Ki-67, showed a marked decrease in the bulge compared with uninvolved follicles.<br />Conclusion: Our study supports the finding that in LPP, the inflammatory infiltrate mainly involves the bulge region, where the stem cells reside. Once this area is damaged, the hair loses its potential of regrowth with resulting scarring alopecia. This is in contrast with inflammatory non-scarring alopecias such as alopecia areata, where the bulb region is targeted, sparing the stem cells.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Alopecia etiology
Alopecia immunology
Antigens, CD analysis
Cicatrix immunology
Cicatrix pathology
Female
Hair Follicle immunology
Histocompatibility Antigens Class II analysis
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Inflammation etiology
Inflammation pathology
Ki-67 Antigen analysis
Langerhans Cells immunology
Langerhans Cells pathology
Langerhans Cells physiology
Lichen Planus immunology
Male
Middle Aged
Stem Cells immunology
Stem Cells pathology
T-Lymphocytes immunology
T-Lymphocytes pathology
Alopecia pathology
Cicatrix etiology
Hair Follicle pathology
Lichen Planus pathology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0303-6987
- Volume :
- 32
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of cutaneous pathology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 16293179
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0303-6987.2005.00399.x