[Study of apoptosis in normal skin tissues].

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to investigate the apoptosis in normal human skin by examination of all epidermal layers.

Material And Methods: The normal skin epidermis of 15 healthy subjects was investigated by TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-X nick end labeling) technique. Apoptotic cells were evaluated in the germinative and differential compartments and stratum corneum.

Expression of cathepsin L and its inhibitor hurpin in inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases.

Cathepsin (Cat) L is an important lysosomal proteinase involved in a variety of cellular functions including intracellular protein turnover, epidermal homeostasis and hair development. Hurpin (serpinB13) is a cross-class specific serine protease inhibitor of Cat L. We have analysed the expression and localization of Cat L and hurpin in various inflammatory and neoplastic diseases by immunohistochemistry.