Demonstration of the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) on Langerhans' cells of diseased nasal mucosa.

Langerhans' cells in the skin have recently been shown to bind IgE molecules via the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI). Using two highly specific antibodies against the antibody-binding alpha-chain of this receptor, 29C6 and 6F7, we demonstrate by immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy that Langerhans' cells of diseased nasal mucosa can express the Fc epsilon RI. Tissue sections from hyperplastic nasal conchae and nasal polyps of atopic and nonatopic patients have shown no basic differences in epithelial Fc epsilon RI-bearing cells.

Tacalcitol ointment in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind study on efficacy and safety.

Tacalcitol is a vitamin D analogue which ahs been developed for the therapy of psoriasis vulgaris. The treatment with a twice daily application of 2 micrograms/g ointment is efficacious and safe in Japanese patients. The objective of this randomized, placebo-controlled, intraindividual right-left comparison was to investigate the efficacy and safety of 8 weeks' therapy with a once daily application of a 4 micrograms/g tacalcitol ointment in Caucasian psoriatics.

Differential expression of CRABP II, psoriasin and cytokeratin 1 mRNA in human skin diseases.

In order to confirm and further explore the significance of the overexpression of the CRABP II (cellular retinoic acid binding protein type II) and psoriasin genes in psoriatic versus normal skin, we examined the mRNA expression levels of these two genes by in situ hybridization in skin samples from psoriatic plaques and in one case from the border between a psoriatic plaque and uninvolved skin. Both genes were markedly upregulated in lesional skin, with a shift from low to high expression in the transitional zone of the plaque. Expression of the cytokeratin 1 (K1) gene was, in contrast, high in normal skin and decreased in the transition from uninvolved skin to psoriatic plaque, Examination of mRNA levels of CRABP II and psoriasin in other hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin diseases showed high expression of psoriasin, and in some cases also of CRABP II, in atopic dermatitis, mycosis fungoides, Darier's disease and inflammatory lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.

Thrombin and melittin activate phospholipase C in human HaCaT keratinocytes.

Following the activation of specific receptors, phospholipase C has been shown to cleave the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate into the 2nd messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. Both 2nd messengers contribute to the regulation of cellular proliferation. The receptor for bradykinin is coupled to this pathway in keratinocytes, but knowledge about other activators of phospholipase C is limited.