[Fibronectin, interstitial collagens and type IV collagen in dermatitis herpetiformis].

BACKGROUND: In the pathogenesis of dermatitis herpetiformis the participation of some proteins of the extracellular matrix has not been elucidated so far. They are found more amply in the papillary derma where they are manifested most markedly as the mentioned type of dermatosis. The objective of the present work was to assess the participation of components of the extracellular matrix in the pathogenesis of diseases and the possibility of their detection to make a more accurate diagnosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS: In a group of 11 patients (mean age 39 +/- 17 years) with dermatitis herpetiformis the diagnosis was established on the basis of the clinical and histological finding. Fibronectin and collagens type I, III, IV, V were assessed in the skin using rabbit antisera (INPHARM Co. Moscow). An elevated level of collagen type III and V was found in the affected papillae and on the floor of the blisters in the papillary derma, collagen type IV on the vault of the blister and fibronectin deposits in the affected papillae which had a netlike structure.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above findings assessment of fibronectin, collagens type III, IV and V in the affected skin can be considered an important supplementary examination in the histological diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis.