Immunohistochemical evaluation of androgen receptors in genital and extragenital lichen sclerosus: evidence for loss of androgen receptors in lesional epidermis.

BACKGROUND

Reduction of lichen sclerosus has been seen with topical testosterone, and spontaneous resolution has been attributed to increasing androgen levels.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to investigate the role of androgens in lichen sclerosus by studying lesional skin and site-specific normal skin for the presence of androgen receptors.

METHODS

Immunoperoxidase staining for androgen receptors was performed on lesional tissue from 31 patients and microscopically compared with site-specific normal skin.

RESULTS

Androgen receptors were present in normal genital and extragenital skin. Lesional genital and extragenital areas showed decreased staining compared with site-specific controls. Finally staining was decreased in histologically well-developed lesions compared with early lesions.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for the loss of androgen receptors with disease progression in both genital and extragenital skin affected by lichen sclerosus. These findings support a hormonal pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus and may be significant in the treatment of the disease.