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Biomedical subjects

N S Penneys

Publications and source records attributed to N S Penneys.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Demonstration by S-100 protein staining of increased numbers of nerves in the papillary dermis of patients with prurigo nodularis.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that hyperplasia of papillary dermal nerves was a constant feature of prurigo nodularis. OBJECTIVE: We tested this hypothesis by examining sections from 25 cases of prurigo nodularis, 25 cases of skin lesions characterized by epidermal hyperplasia without clinical pruritus, and 22 cases of clinically pruritic dermatoses with variable degrees of epidermal response for the presence of papillary dermal nerves. METHODS: We used a standard immunohistochemical assay with an antibody to S-100 protein as a means of identification of nerves. RESULTS: In 24 of 25 cases of prurigo nodularis, papillary dermal nerves were identified by immunostaining. Cutaneous nerves were present in 1 of 22 cases of epidermal hyperplasia with pruritus and were absent in the papillary dermis in nonpruritic cases. CONCLUSION: We conclude that hypertrophy of cutaneous papillary dermal nerves is a relatively constant feature of prurigo nodularis. The presence of papillary dermal nerves suggests a neurocutaneous component in the pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis.

Humans↗

UVB phototherapy of the pruritic papular eruption of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) is a chronic dermatosis frequently seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. UVB phototherapy has been successfully used to treat a similar inflammatory condition (Ofuji disease) as well as pruritus of systemic origin. OBJECTIVE: We describe the successful treatment with UVB of seven of eight patients with PPE. METHODS: Eight HIV-positive patients with PPE were treated. The number of papules in a specified area of skin and the intensity of pruritus were monitored before, during, and after UVB phototherapy given three times a week. Biopsy specimens were taken before and after therapy and systemic immune function was evaluated. RESULTS: Both the number of papules as well as pruritus decreased after UVB treatment in all but one patient. Immunoperoxidase staining showed a relative decrease in CD4+, CD8+, and CD2+ cells in all samples studied except for the patient noted to be unresponsive to the therapy. CONCLUSION: UVB phototherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with PPE. This is associated with a significant decrease in inflammation and number of T cells from various subsets within the dermis, thereby implicating these cells in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum. Report of three cases and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy, only 21 cases involving the scrotum have been previously reported. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose is to describe three additional cases of scrotal BCC and review the literature summarizing the clinical features and identifying any predisposing factors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 21 cases of scrotal BCC and described three new cases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in our biopsy specimens. RESULTS: Scrotal BCCs present as persistent ulcerations or plaques without identifiable predisposing factors. Lymphatic, pulmonary, or skin metastases were present in 3 of 24 cases (13%) resulting in death in one case. PCR did not detect HPV DNA in our three cases. CONCLUSION: Scrotal BCC rarely occurs and should be considered in the diagnosis of a persistent scrotal ulcer or plaque. Metastatic disease may be more common than with other BCCs and wide local excision or Mohs micrographic surgery may be the most appropriate initial therapeutic approach.

Aged↗

Detection with the polymerase chain reaction of human papillomavirus DNA in condylomata acuminata treated in vitro with liquid nitrogen, trichloroacetic acid, and podophyllin.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of action for local treatments used against condylomata acuminata are unknown, but most are believed to cause physical destruction of infected tissue. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether liquid nitrogen, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and podophyllin damage HPV DNA found in condylomata acuminata. METHODS: Fourteen genital warts were excised from 14 patients and divided. One part was treated with liquid nitrogen, the second and third parts were treated with TCA and podophyllin, respectively, and the remainder served as a control. DNA was then extracted from tissue by proteolytic digestion and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Dot blots were performed with the use of radiolabeled consensus and HPV type-specific probes. RESULTS: HPV DNA was amplified and detected in 100% of untreated specimens, in 92% of specimens treated with liquid nitrogen, and in 15% and 7% of specimens treated with podophyllin and TCA, respectively. CONCLUSION: TCA and podophyllin damage HPV DNA more effectively than does liquid nitrogen.

Biopsy↗

Etretinate increases carcinoembryonic antigen in palmar scrapings.

BACKGROUND: Retinoids can affect epithelial structure and function. Patients who take etretinate can develop stickiness of their palms and soles. OBJECTIVE: We measured carcinoembryonic antigen, a representative glycoprotein in palmar scrapings, to see whether levels were increased in patients taking etretinate when compared with a variety of controls. METHODS: Carcinoembryonic antigen was measured by a standard immunoassay in scrapings taken from the palm. RESULTS: Carcinoembryonic antigen is increased in palmar scrapings in patients taking etretinate. CONCLUSION: Etretinate usage may affect sweat gland function or possibly adherence of carcinoembryonic antigen to surface keratinocytes. The presence of increased amounts of glycoprotein on the surface of the skin may explain the stickiness often noted by patients taking etretinate.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗

Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in seborrheic keratosis by polymerase chain reaction.

We searched for HPV DNA in 72 cases of seborrheic keratosis (nongenital SK 29, genital SK 43) using polymerase chain reaction. Amplification of HPV DNA was found in 24 (nongenital, 1; genital, 23). HPV DNA type 6 was present in 18 cases and type 11 in four and type 33 in two. Twenty-three (53%) cases of genital region SK and one (3%) case of nongenital region SK contained HPV DNA sequences. Histopathologically, the perinuclear vacuolization of epithelial cells, mitosis and dyskeratotic cells were more marked in HPV DNA-positive SK than those in negative SK (P < 0.01). We suppose HPV may play an important role in epidermal proliferation of SK in the genital region.

Adult↗

Human papillomavirus and herpes virus DNA are not detected in benign and malignant prostatic tissue using the polymerase chain reaction.

Fresh prostatic tissue removed at the time of surgery was assayed for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, 18 and 33 and herpes and varicella-zoster viruses (HV) using DNA amplification followed by specific hybridization. Thirty samples representing both benign and malignant prostatic disease were assayed. Although appropriate amplimers were present for beta globulin gene indicating successful extraction of DNA, no HPV or HV amplimers could be obtained with appropriate primers. We conclude that HPV and HV are not routinely found in human prostate.

DNA Probes, HPV↗

Animal models for testing topical corticosteroid potency: a review and some suggested new approaches.

Animal models allow for testing the potency of topical corticosteroids by measuring their effects on induced conditions that are analogous to human skin disease. Animal models can examine the anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiproliferative, and atrophogenic effects of topical corticosteroids. These test models as they are currently applied are relatively imprecise; however, innovations using newly available histologic, autoradiographic, and biochemical techniques have great potential for precisely quantitating the effects of corticosteroids in animal model systems.

Administration, Topical↗

Immunohistochemical distribution of aromatase and 3B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in human hair follicle and sebaceous gland.

Human hair follicles (HF) and sebaceous glands (SG) were assessed for the presence and distribution of the cytochrome P-450-aromatase (AR) and 3B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3B-HSD) enzymes. Immunohistochemical methods were used to examine both enzymes in male and female human skin specimens at various ages and different body sites. AR was found in the external root sheath of anagen, terminal HF, and in SG, whereas the 3B-HSD was found only in the SG. AR was rarely found in telogen HF. The expression of both enzymes, AR and 3B-HSD, did not vary with body site or sex. Localizing AR in the external root sheath of anagen HF suggests that AR may have a function in the HF cycle. We hypothesize that AR may be one of many enzymes or factors that play a role in the HF cycle by regulating the level of androgens formed locally, whereas 3B-HSD is localized in SG, converting weak androgen precursors to potent androgens, stimulating lipogenesis.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Swollen keratinocytes: a histologic marker of unusual human papillomavirus-type infection and immunosuppression.

Cutaneous papillomavirus infection is common in patients who are immunosuppressed. We describe swollen keratinocytes in the granular layer in lesions from four patients who had human immunodeficiency virus infection. These cells were similar to those described in skin lesions of epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Amplification of DNA from the lesions revealed an amplimer for human papillomavirus using a consensus primer for a highly conserved region of the L1 open reading frame; however, specific binding was not noted when radiolabelled probes for human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16, 18, and 33 were used. We conclude that the presence of these distinctive swollen cells strongly suggests immunosuppression and quite possibly infection by a less common papillomavirus type.

Biomarkers↗

PCNA expression in cutaneous keratinous neoplasms and verruca vulgaris.

Using an antibody to PCNA and a standard immunohistochemical system, the authors examined normal epidermis and cutaneous neoplasias for expression of PCNA, a protein associated with DNA polymerase delta and DNA replication. In squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCI), a unique expression of PCNA, which frequently involved the nuclei of all keratinocytes within the lesion, was found. Heaviest staining was in the uppermost layers of the epidermis. PCNA expression ended abruptly at the histologic margin of the lesion. Because SCCI can be associated with the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA, the authors evaluated PCNA expression in verruca vulgaris and found a pattern similar to that in SCCI. Assuming that PCNA expression in these two lesions is related to cell division, the authors hypothesize that the mechanisms that control proliferation in SCCI may be similar to those operative in verruca vulgaris.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the eye.

Patients with AIDS or ARC may develop ocular manifestations falling in four broad categories: (1) conjunctival and periorbital disease, (2) neuro-ophthalmologic abnormalities, (3) retinal microangiopathy, and (4) opportunistic retinal and choroidal infections. Careful ophthalmologic examination generally permits identification and differentiation of these entities. Although ocular involvement is frequently a harbinger of an unfavorable systemic prognosis, specific drug therapy may be of some benefit in arresting disease in selected individuals. Further advances in the diagnosis and treatment of AIDS-related ocular tumors and infections may improve the quality of life for these patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Pruritic papular eruption of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a clinicopathologic study.

The pruritic papular eruption of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is characterized by generalized, pruritic, skin-colored papules and nodules. Chronic lesions are excoriated and hyperpigmented. The eruption and pruritus typically wax and wane and are resistant to oral antihistamine and topical steroid therapy. The characteristic histologic features are (1) superficial and mid dermal perivascular and perifollicular mononuclear cell infiltrate with numerous eosinophils and (2) follicular damage of varying degrees. When compared with control subjects, these patients did not demonstrate any significant difference in laboratory or demographic data.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Acquired progressive lymphangioma.

Acquired progressive lymphangioma is rare and can histologically mimic well-differentiated angioendothelioma. In a 9-year-old boy with acquired progressive lymphangioma, we demonstrated that the neoplasm consists of at least a vascular component and a smooth muscle component. The presence of type IV collagen around many vascular channels suggests that an intermediate stage of differentiation between blood vessels and lymphatics may be present. Our findings indicate that acquired progressive lymphangioma is most likely a complex hamartoma composed of vascular channels and smooth muscle.

Basement Membrane↗