The British journal of dermatology
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Basement membrane components and collagen biosynthesis were studied in suction blisters in human skin. The basement membrane components were characterized by immunofluorescence using specific antibodies to type IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin, and collagen biosynthesis was studied by assaying galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosylatransferase. In suction blisters, the separation of epidermis and dermis occurred above the lamina lucida, indicating that the basement membrane, composed of lamina lucida and lamina densa, forms a mechanically strong entity. ⋯ Galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosyltransferase activity could be demonstrated in blister fluid and was about the same as in serum when expressed on the basis of protein in fresh blisters. It increased by 2-3 fold during the repair of blisters, indicating that there was local production of this enzyme. Further studies revealed that pure epidermis contained galactosylyhdroxylysyl glucosyltransferase and hydroxyprolineand this suggests that epidermis may synthesize some collagen type which, according to these studies, is not type IV (basement memebrane) collagen.
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Letter Case Reports
Reticulate urticarial erythema in hereditary angio-oedema.
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The successful treatment of patients with pyoderma gangrenosum by means of the local application of sodium cromoglycate solution is reported. One of the patients also had chronic active hepatitis and a background history of ulcerative colitis. Possible mechanisms underlying the apparent success of this form of treatment are discussed.
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Clinical details of one surviving and one fatal case of junctional epidermolysis bullosa, previously termed epidermolysis bullosa letalis-Herlitz, are reported and factors affecting prognosis are discussed.