E-selectin and interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain expression in alopecia universalis
Rilo, H.L.; Carroll, P.B.; Subbotin, V.; Johnson, N.; Van Thiel, D.H.; Thomson, A.W.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica 74(1): 33-36
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5555 PMID: 7511865 Document Number: 429082
A study of the histopathological abnormalities in a case of alopecia universalis was accompanied by immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin (formerly known as endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1) within the skin. ICAM-1 expression on follicular epithelium co-localized with intraepithelial mononuclear cells (MNC) positive for the interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain (IL-2R) or HLA-DR. Aberrant expression of E-selectin was observed on dermal endothelium. Although restricted to one case, these new observations concerning the expression of E-selectin and IL-2R in alopecia universalis are consistent with the view that extravascular trafficking of MNC into follicular epithelium may play a key role in the pathogenesis of alopecia universalis and that use of agents that interfere with this process may be an effective therapeutic strategy.