Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiopathogenesis of Vitiligo is an enigma. However, autoimmune inflammatory theory is the leading hypothesis. Prominent immune cell infiltrates have been found in perilesional margin of unstable lesions consisting of T cells, B cells, macrophages and dendritic melanocytes. However, these cells have not been adequately characterized. AIMS & OBJECTIVES To analyse the different types of cells in the inflammatory infiltrates in unstable vitiligo. The objectives were to assess the relative number of various inflammatory cells in unstable vitiligo and to study the distribution pattern of inflammatory cells in unstable vitiligo. MATERIALS & METHODS A total of 30 cases were included in the study. Two 3 mm punch biopsy specimens from perilesional and lesional skin were obtained. H&E evaluation was done using a scoring system Immunohistochemistry for CD1a, CD3, CD20 and CD68 was done. Number and distribution of cells was recorded. RESULTS T cells and Langerhans cells were found to be significantly elevated in the lesional skin. Both these cells were found to be distributed in both epidermis and dermis. The intra-epidermal T cells were found most commonly in the stratum basale. However, intraepidermal Langerhans cells were found in all the layers. CONCLUSION The results point towards relation between communication between these cells and resulting damage to melanocytes and keratinocytes. Better understanding will help in designing novel targeted therapies. This increase in T cells and Langerhans cells may also be an important assessment marker for instability in lesions of vitiligo.
Financial Disclosure:
No current or relevant financial relationships exist.
