Laminin in the Cutaneous Basement Membrane as a Potential Target in LewisiteVesication

摘要

The epidermal-dermal junction has a complex molecular architecture, with numerouscomponents playing key roles in adhesion of the epidermis to the dermis. The purpose of this study was to examine structural components of the epidermal-dermal junction as potential targets for toxicity by lewisite (dichloro(2-chlorovinyl)arsine). This was accomplished by immunocytochemical mapping of laminin, type IV collagen, and bullous pemphigoid antigen (BPA) in lewisite-treated isolated perfused porcine skin flaps (IPPSF), evaluation of protease activity in IPPSF blister fluid against laminin substrate from murine EHS tumor and human keratinocytes, and examination of human keratinocyte laminin for direct chemical modification by lewisite. Lewisite-induced epidermal-dermal separation was localized to the lamina lucida.