Korean J Dermatol.  1998 Aug;36(4):589-594.

Detection of Antibodies to Human Keratinocytes in Vitiligo by Western blotting

• Kang JM
• Kim SM
• Hann SK

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that immunological mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Cellular degeneration in vitiligo is not limited to melanocytes but includes keratinocytes and probably whole epidermal melanin units.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the presence of anti-keratinocyte antibodies and the relationship between the level of antibodies and activity of the disease.
METHODS
We analyzed the level of anti-keratinocyte antibodies in 13 patients with non-active, segmental vitiligo and 7 patients with active, non-segmental vitiligo by Western blotting.
RESULTS
Using the Western blot method, we demonstrated the occurrence of anti-keratinocyte antibodies with keratinocyte cytoplasm. Anti-keratinocyte antibodies were more reactive in patients with active, non-segmental vitiligo than in those with non-active, segmental vitiligo.
CONCLUSION
These results may be a secondary phenomenon to keratinocyte damage with concurrent occurrence of melanocyte destruction. However, the level of these antibodies may represent the acitivity of vitiligo.

Keyword

Vitiligo; Anti-keratinocyte antibody; Western blot

MeSH Terms

Antibodies*
Blotting, Western*
Cytoplasm
Humans*
Keratinocytes*
Melanins
Melanocytes
Vitiligo*
Antibodies
Melanins