Archives of dermatological research
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Aquaporins (AQPs) constitute one family of transmembrane proteins facilitating transport of water across cell membranes. Due to their specificity, AQPs have a broad spectrum of physiological functions, and for keratinocytes there are indications that these channel proteins are involved in cell migration and proliferation with consequences for the antimicrobial defense of the skin. AQP3 and AQP10 are aqua-glyceroporins, known to transport glycerol as well as water. ⋯ Applying immunohistochemistry, cell-like structures in the shape of corneocytes were identified in all samples by AQP3 and AQP10 antibodies. In conclusion, identification of AQP3 and AQP10 protein in SC in an in vivo model is new. Together with the new "minimal-invasive" method for SC collection presented, this opens for new possibilities to study the role of AQPs in relation to function of the skin barrier.
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Arch. Dermatol. Res. · Oct 2013
Role of regulatory T cells in patients with acute herpes zoster and relationship to postherpetic neuralgia.
This study is to analyze distribution of peripheral T cell subsets including regulatory T cells in patients with acute herpes zoster (AHZ) and investigate its relationship to the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood from 76 patients with AHZ and 38 normal controls were analyzed using flow cytometry. According to the visual analogue scales in the acuter phase and followed up by PHN for 3 months, patients with herpes zoster (HZ) were divided into different patient groups. ⋯ Furthermore, FoxP3 expression was significantly increased by CD4+CD25(high) T cells in the severe group as compared with mild group, moderate group and normal controls. These results indicated that T cellular immunity in AHZ patients was impaired and suggested increased activation of Treg cells may suppress anti-viral CD4+ T cells immune responses, especially in the severe HZ patients. Treg cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AHZ and progression toward PHN.