The murine (C3H/He) epidermal Ia+ dendritic cells (Ia+DECs) and Thy-1+ dendritic cells (Thy-1+DECs) in contact hypersensitivity and aging

The contact sensitivity evaluated by the ear swelling test and the dynamic changes of epidermal Ia+ dendritic cells (Ia+DECs) and Thy-1+ dendritic cells (Thy-1+DECs) were studied in trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB) sensitized different age group C3H/He mice after challenge. A significant increase of ear swelling was observed between 6 h and 10 days of both 8-10 week (wk) and 40-48 wk groups; the ear swelling indices of 8-10 wk group were significantly higher than those of 40-48 wk group from 18 h to 5 days. A significant decrease of the densities of Ia+DECs from 18 h to 48 h, followed by a gradual increase reaching significant increase of the densities of Ia+DECs from 5 days to 21 days in both 8-10 wk and 40-48 wk groups, was observed; the densities of Thy-1+DECs significantly decreased from 18-48 h, followed by a gradual increase reaching a significant increase from 5 days to 21 days in both 8-10 wk and 40-48 wk groups. In the normal control groups, a significant decline of both Ia+DECs and Thy-1+DECs in the 40-48 wk group was observed. Results suggest that contact allergy may be diminished in aged mice. On the other hand, like Ia+DECs, Thy-1+DECs seem to be involved in the process of contact allergy.     

Scanning electron microscopic appearance of Thy-1 positive dendritic epidermal cells in mouse epidermal cell suspension

The distribution of Thy-1.2 antigens and asialo GM1 on suspended epidermal cells prepared from C3H/He mice by trypsinizing their ear skin was examined by the scanning immunoelectron microscopic method using antibodies against the antigens and antibody-bacteriophage T4 conjugates as visual markers. Thy-1.2 and asialo GM1 were found to be distributed diffusely over a cell type with a relatively cuboidal shape and numerous villous projections. These cells are considered to be Thy-1 positive dendritic epidermal cells. The significance of these findings is discussed.     

小鼠毛囊周期中表皮朗格汉斯细胞及树突状表皮T细胞的变化

目的:观察拔毛诱导的小鼠毛发周期中毛囊间表皮LC及DETC的密度及形态变化,探讨二者与毛囊周期的关系。方法:选用自然休止期C57BL/6小鼠,拔毛诱导毛发进入生长期,应用ABC免疫组化法连续观察毛囊间表皮LC及DETC的密度及形态变化。结果:(1)密度变化:拔毛后1天LC及DETC与拔毛前无明显变化。拔毛后第2天开始二者密度较拔毛前升高(P<0.05),拔毛后第4~8天二者密度最高(P<0.01),以后逐渐下降,至拔毛后第17~20天二者密度基本恢复到拔毛前数值。(2)形态变化:拔毛前后2天内,多数LC及DETC胞体小,树突短小不明显;第4~8天,二者多数细胞体大,树突多且粗大,分枝明显;9~16天,胞体大小不一,树突变细;17~20天,胞体较小,树突短小。结论:拔毛诱导的小鼠毛发周期中毛囊间表皮LC及DETC的密度及形态变化与毛囊周期具有相关性。这种变化在皮肤免疫应答中可能起重要作用。     

表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯对紫外线辐射后小鼠表皮细胞凋亡的影响

目的：观察表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯[（-）-epigallocatechin-3-gallate,EGCG]脂质体对急、慢性中波紫外线（UVB）辐射后BALB／c小鼠表皮细胞凋亡的影响。方法：EGCG脂质体局部外用于BALB／c小鼠背部皮肤,将小鼠分为5组,分别给予中波紫外线180mJ／cm^2照射1次为急性损伤组：30mJ／cm^2每天照射1次,持续30d,为慢性损伤组。采用末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记法（TUNEL）检测小鼠表皮中的凋亡细胞。结果：急性损伤组中接受UVB照射的小鼠表皮中大部分细胞发生凋亡,EGCG脂质体未表现出对表皮细胞凋亡的影响;慢性损伤组中照光加药组的凋亡细胞多于其他组,EGCG脂质体表现为促凋亡作用（P〈0．05）。结论：EGCG脂质体不影响急性大剂量UVB辐射所致的表皮细胞凋亡;对慢性低剂量UVB辐射有促凋亡作用。     

表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯对紫外线诱导的角质形成细胞分泌血管内皮生长因子的影响

目的：研究绿茶中表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯（EGCG）对中波紫外线（UVB）诱导角质形成细胞HaCaT株（简称HaCaT细胞）分泌血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）的影响。方法：试验共设立空白对照组、单纯加药组、单纯照光组和加药照光组4组,以15mJ/cm^2 UVB的剂量照射细胞,酶联免疫吸附试验（EUSA）方法检测不同时间细胞上清液中VEGF含量。反转录（RT）-PCR测定VEGFmRNA表达。结果：UVB照射后,HaCaT细胞分泌的VEGF在照光后12h开始明显增加,随时间延长。VEGF水平逐渐增加。EGCG对UVB诱导的VEGF升高有明显抑制作用。在12、18、24h3个时间点．EGCG明显抑制VEGF水平的升高。结论：EGCG可以抑制紫外线诱导的HaCaT细胞分泌VEGF。     

In vivo activation of langerhans cells and dendritic epidermal T cells in the elicitation phase of murine contact hypersensitivity

Langerhans cells (LCs) and dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) constitute the skin immune system. To demonstrate the kinetics of in vivo activation of murine LCs and DETCs in the elicitation phase of contact hypersensitivity, we measured the cell area positively stained for I-A and gammadeltaT-cell receptor (or Thy-1.2), respectively, under a fluorescence microscope at various time intervals after topical application of dinitrofluorobenzene. The fluorescence-positive area of LCs increased in parallel with that of DETCs at 1 h and 24 h, indicating the biphasic activation of LCs and DETCs. Early activation was hapten-specific and often exhibited close LC-to-DETC apposition. Experiments with in vivo administration of neutralizing anticytokine antibodies revealed that none of interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta were involved in the induction of early activation of LCs and DETCs, while TNF-alpha and IL-1beta mediated late activation of LCs, and IFN-gamma and IL-1beta mediated that of DETCs. Our results indicate that LCs and DETCs are synchronously and biphasically activated in the epidermis during the elicitation phase of contact hypersensitivity and suggest that different mechanisms may control early and late activation.     

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) A1, UVB and solar-simulated radiation on p53 activation and p21

BACKGROUND: High-dose ultraviolet (UV) A1 therapy (doses in the order of 130 J cm(-2)) is effective for atopic dermatitis and scleroderma. UVA1 has been shown to induce a dose-dependent increase in p53 expression in keratinocytes. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of UVA1 on the activation of p53 by phosphorylation, which has not yet been studied. METHODS: Five adult volunteers were exposed to dose series of UVA1 (10-100 J cm(-2)) and, for comparison, narrowband UVB (TL-01) (25-550 mJ cm(-2)) and solar-simulated radiation (SSR) (5.6-30 J cm(-2)) on photoprotected buttock skin and the minimal erythema dose (MED) for each was determined at 24 h. Separate sites on the buttock were subsequently irradiated with a 3-MED dose of UVA1, TL-01 and SSR. At 24 h, punch biopsies (4 mm) were taken from each irradiated site and from an adjacent unirradiated control site, and immunohistochemical staining for p53 (Do-1), activation of p53 (assessed by phosphorylation at serine 15 and serine 392) and p21 was performed. Cell staining was expressed as the mean number of cells stained per three high-power fields (HPFs) and as a percentage of 1000 cells. Sunburn cells (SBCs) were also counted per HPF. RESULTS: UVA1 produced negligible numbers of SBCs, relatively little p53 (Do-1) staining (mean +/- SD cell count per HPF 16 +/- 10), no p53 activation and very little evidence of p21 expression (mean +/- SD cell count per HPF 5.3 +/- 7), in contrast to TL-01 (mean +/- SD cell count per HPF of 11.83 +/- 2.1 SBCs, 146.3 +/- 38 for Do-1, 26.6 +/- 15 for serine 15, 14.9 +/- 12 for serine 392 and 77.9 +/- 30 for p21) or SSR irradiation (mean +/- SD cell count per HPF of 3.5 +/- 1.2 SBCs, 147.5 +/- 62 for Do-1, 54 +/- 50 for serine 15, 38.9 +/- 18 for serine 392 and 56.7 +/- 30 for p21). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that there are fundamental differences in the effects of UVA1 on p53 and its activation pathways compared with TL-01 and SSR, and may in part explain the differential effects of these phototherapies.     

ICAM-1 and LFA-1 on mouse epidermal Langerhans cells and spleen dendritic cells identify disparate requirements for activation of KLH-specific CD4+ Th1 and Th2 clones*

Abstract Expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) on mouse epidermal Lungerhans cells (LC) and on spleen dendritic cells (DC) from BALB/c mice was examined by staining with specific mAb and was evaluated by flow cytometry. LC were shown to express both ICAM-1 and LFA-1, whereas spleen DC expressed only LFA-1. The contribution of these adhesion molecules to LC- or DC-induced activation of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific, la^d-restricted, Th1 or Th2 clones was investigated in mAb blocking studies. At optimal doses, anti-CD1la or anti-CD18 mAb completely inhibited Th1 proliferation induced by either LC or DC. Anti-ICAM-1 also abrogated Th1 proliferation induced by LC, but only moderately reduced Th1 proliferation induced by DC. Inhibition in these experiments was specific, since isotype-matched control Ab against other Ag constitutively expressed on LC (NLDC 145) or DC (33D1) had no effect on Th1 proliferation. In marked contradistinction, the capacity of LC to present KLH to our Th2 clones was resistant to treatment with the same mAb against ICAM-1, CD11a or CD18. We conclude that interactions between ICAM-1 and LFA-1 on epidermal LC and LFA-1 on spleen DC with their respective ligands on our Th1 clones are required for optimal presentation of protein Ag to Th1. Our results also indicate that neither ICAM-1 nor LFA-1 is required for the analogous activation of our Th2 clones by LC.     

Exposure of UVB-sensitive mice to immunosuppressive doses of UVB in vivo fails to affect the accessory function or the phenotype of draining lymph node dendritic cells

Abstract Following the application of sensitizing chemicals to the skin, hapten-bearing Langerhans cells (LC) and possibly other cutaneous dendritie-cells (DC) migrate to the draining lymph nodes (DLN) of mice and induce the proliferation of antigen specific effector T cells. This migration of DC to the DLN is required for the induction of primary immune responses. In certain strains of mice, irradiation with ultraviolet-B light (UVB) before sensitization results in the suppression of contact hypersensitivity responses. in vitro investigations have suggested that one influence of UVB is to modify the ability of Langerhans cells (LC) to present antigen. In the present investigation, putative UVB-induced alterations in lymph node DC in vivo were examined. Lymph node DC were analysed following exposure of C3H/HeN mice to an immunosuppressive dose of UVB (1440 J/m²) 48 and 24 h prior to skin painting with the sensitizers fluorescein isothiocyanate or oxazolone. In functional studies. DC prepared from the DLN of contact sensitized mice were examined for their ability to induce hapten-specific secondary T-lymphocyte proliferative responses or mixed lymphocyte reactions in vitro. It neither case was the activity of DC influenced by local exposure to an immunosuppressive dose of UVB. The migration of LC from the epidermis to the draining lymph node in response to contact sensitization is associated with increased expression of several membrane determinants necessary for effective antigen presentation, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-I: CD54), B7-2 (CD86) and la antigen. The expression of these molecules was identical on DC isolated from the DLN of UVB-irradiated and from control, unirradiated mice. Thus, the immunosuppressive effect of UVB on Ihe cutaneous immune system may not necessarily reflect changes in the antigen-presenting DC that accumulate in the DLN following skin sensitization.     

Combination of methoxsalen and ultraviolet B (UVB) versus UVB radiation alone in treatment of psoriasis: a bilateral comparison study

A bilateral comparison study of the therapeutic effects of broad-band ultraviolet (UVB) (FS-40 Sunlamp bulbs) radiation versus UVB radiation plus methoxsalen was conducted in patients with psoriasis. Ten patients were given up to 30 exposures to the two treatments on paired, similarly affected limbs. There was no detectable difference in the response of limbs treated with UVB plus methoxsalen versus UVB phototherapy alone although all patients did show a therapeutic response. Other areas of the body treated with methoxsalen and broad-band UVA radiation (PUVA bulbs) responded more rapidly and to a greater extent than areas exposed to UVB radiation.     

In situ expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on Langerhans cells and inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells (IDEC) in atopic dermatitis

Abstract The functional expression of costimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells may be a key event in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, the expression of CD86 (B7-2/B70) has been demonstrated on CD1a⁺ epidermal dendritic cells (DC) in AD lesions by immunohistological and functional analysis. Therefore, we sought to further characterize the in situ expression of costimulatory molecules on these cells, considering the two subpopulations of (1) CD1a⁺⁺⁺/CD11b^– Langerhans cells (LC) containing Birbeck granules and (2) CD1a⁺/CD11b⁺⁺⁺ inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells (IDEC), devoid of Birbeck granules, from AD and other inflammatory skin diseases. Flow cytometry, skin mixed lymphocyte reactions (SMLR) and immunohistological analysis were performed, and showed that IDEC and not LC are the relevant cells expressing the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 in situ. This expression varied with the underlying diagnosis, with AD showing the highest expression of both CD80 and CD86 in situ. Furthermore, the expression of CD80, CD86 and CD36 were significantly correlated. With short-term culture, both CD80 and CD86 were further upregulated on LC and IDEC. Finally, anti-CD86 antibody reduced the stimulatory activity of epidermal DC. These results indicate that costimulatory molecules on LC and IDEC might play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Received: 7 June 2000 / Accepted: 21 January 2001     

Increased expression of Fas on human epidermal cells after in vivo exposure to single-dose ultraviolet (UV) B or long-wave UVA radiation

BACKGROUND: Apoptosis has been proposed to act as an important mechanism for eliminating keratinocytes that have been irreversibly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. One way to induce apoptosis in keratinocytes is through activation of the cell surface receptor Fas (CD95), either with the ligand (FasL) or directly with UV radiation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the regulation of Fas and FasL expression in human skin and the formation of apoptotic cells after in vivo exposure to UVB or long-wave UVA radiation. METHODS: Volunteers were irradiated with either 3 minimal erythema doses (MED) of UVB (n = 6) or 3 MED of long-wave UVA (n = 6) on buttock skin 12, 24 and 72 h before skin punch biopsies were taken. Expression of Fas and FasL was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry on cryostat sections. Apoptosis was assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labelling reaction. RESULTS: In five of six subjects, exposure to UVB radiation resulted in increased homogeneous expression of Fas on epidermal cells, with greatest expression at 24 and 72 h after irradiation. In all subjects, exposure to long-wave UVA resulted in increased homogeneous expression of Fas on epidermal cells, with greatest expression at 12 h after irradiation. In five of six subjects, exposure to UVB radiation resulted in temporarily decreased expression of FasL, but after 72 h the expression of FasL had returned to the preirradiation level. The expression of FasL on epidermal cells after exposure to long-wave UVA showed considerable variation. UVB irradiation was a stronger inducer of epidermal apoptosis than was UVA irradiation. The number of apoptotic epidermal cells did not correlate with expression of Fas or FasL. CONCLUSIONS: In human skin the expression of Fas on epidermal cells increases after in vivo exposure to UVB or long-wave UVA. Exposure to UVB causes a temporary decrease in the expression of FasL on epidermal cells.     

中波紫外线对体外培养皮肤干细胞某些标记分子表达的影响

目的 探讨中波紫外线（UVB）对体外培养皮肤干细胞某些标记分子表达的影响。方法 利用快速贴壁法分离、培养皮肤干细胞,K15、β-连环素鉴定皮肤干细胞。利用峰值在305 nm的UVB照射皮肤干细胞,照射剂量为10 mJ/cm2。用免疫组化法分别检测经照射组与对照组皮肤干细胞CD34、β-连环素、p53的表达变化。结果 未经UVB照射的皮肤干细胞密度大,细胞呈圆形或多角形,细胞形态清晰,胞质均匀,可见有核分裂细胞,核质比例大。β-连环素主要在细胞膜和细胞质表达,其胞膜和胞核染色阳性率分别为64.74%和8.4%;p53主要在胞质表达,其胞核染色阳性率为6.9%。UVB照射后的细胞密度稀,细胞变形、不规则,胞质出现空泡,核质比例变小,部分细胞出现核固缩和凋亡。β-连环素主要在细胞质和细胞核表达,其胞膜和胞核染色阳性率分别为64.74%和0;p53主要在细胞核表达,其胞核染色阳性率为100%。CD34在两种情况下均不表达。结论 UVB能使CD34阴性皮肤干细胞β-连环素在细胞质聚集并移入细胞核,p53可定位于皮肤干细胞的细胞质,经UVB照射后可移入细胞核。     

Higher cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer and (6-4) photoproduct yields in epidermis of normal humans with increased sensitivity to ultraviolet B radiation

Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and (6-4) photoproduct induced in the epidermis of five Japanese volunteers exposed to ultraviolet (UVB) radiation were measured with monoclonal antibodies specific for each photoproduct. The volunteers comprised two individuals who are sensitive to solar irradiation (low minimal erythema dose [MED]) and three who are less sensitive. The yields of CPD and (6-4) photoproduct were within similar ranges after 1 MED or 3 MED doses. The yields of both photoproducts after the same dose of irradiation (120 mJ/cm²) were higher in UV-sensitive individuals than in less sensitive individuals. By 24 h after irradiation, an average of 60% of CPD had been removed after the 1 MED dose, 27% after the 3 MED dose and 34% after 120 mJ/cm². The (6-4) photoproduct was removed within 24 h, independently of the dose of UVB tested. These data suggest that DNA photoproducts participate in initiating UVB-induced erythema, and partially explain why individuals with higher sensitivity to UVB have a higher risk of UV-induced skin cancer.     

Possible involvement of gelatinase A (MMP2) and gelatinase B (MMP9) in toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are considered to be drug-induced diseases, and are characterized by extensive mucocutaneous disorder and epidermal necrosis which result in the detachment of the epidermis. Inactive and active forms of metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) secreted by skin explants maintained in organ culture for 72 h and in blister fluid from two TEN and three SJS patients were investigated. Interestingly, lesional skin from both the TEN and the SJS patients cultured for 3 days in conditioned medium showed high levels of both 72 kDa progelatinase A and 66 kDa activated gelatinase A, and the 66 kDa activated form was not observed in cultures of skin from control individuals. Furthermore, indirect immunodetection showed the presence of MMP2 and MMP9 in TEN and SJS patients skin. Increased gelatinase activity in the culture medium of TEN and SJS skin maintained in organ culture and in blister fluid indicates that these gelatinases may be responsible for the detachment of the epidermis in these drug-induced necrolyses.     

Human epidermal Langerhans cells express the tight junction protein claudin-1 and are present in human genetic claudin-1 deficiency (NISCH syndrome)

Abstract:  Claudin-1 (CLDN1) is a structural tight junction (TJ) protein and is expressed in differentiating keratinocytes and Langerhans cells in the epidermis. Our objective was to identify immunoreactive CLDN1 in human epidermal Langerhans cells and to examine the pattern of epidermal Langerhans cells in genetic human CLDN1 deficiency [neonatal ichthyosis, sclerosing cholangitis (NISCH) syndrome]. Epidermal cells from healthy human skin labelled with CLDN1-specific antibodies were analysed by confocal laser immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Skin biopsy sections of two patients with NISCH syndrome were stained with an antibody to CD1a expressed on epidermal Langerhans cells. Epidermal Langerhans cells and a subpopulation of keratinocytes from healthy skin were positive for CLDN1. The gross number and distribution of epidermal Langerhans cells of two patients with molecularly confirmed NISCH syndrome, however, was not grossly altered. Therefore, CLDN1 is unlikely to play a critical role in migration of Langerhans cells (or their precursors) to the epidermis or their positioning within the epidermis. Our findings do not exclude a role of this TJ molecule once Langerhans cells have left the epidermis for draining lymph nodes.