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Expression of cyclooxygenase type 2 in lepromatous and tuberculoid leprosy lesions
Author(s) -
Kiszewski A.E.C.,
Becerril E.,
Baquera J.,
RuizMaldonado R.,
HernÁndez Pando R.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05179.x
Subject(s) - immunohistochemistry , leprosy , dermis , lepromatous leprosy , cyclooxygenase , tuberculoid leprosy , pathology , medicine , cytokine , reticular dermis , papillary dermis , t cell , prostaglandin e , immunology , biology , enzyme , immune system , biochemistry
Summary Background Leprosy is an infectious disease with two polar forms, tuberculoid leprosy (TL) and lepromatous leprosy (LL), which are dominated by T‐helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells, respectively. High concentrations of prostaglandin E 2 produced by the inducible enzyme cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX‐2) in LL could inhibit Th1 cytokine production, contributing to T‐cell anergy. Objectives To compare the COX‐2 expression in LL and TL. Methods Skin biopsies from 40 leprosy patients (LL, n = 20; TL, n = 20) were used to determine by immunohistochemistry and automated morphometry the percentage of COX‐2 immunostained cells. Results Most COX‐2‐positive cells were macrophages; their percentages in the inflammatory infiltrate located in the papillary dermis, reticular dermis and periadnexally were significantly higher in LL than TL ( P < 0·001 by Student's t ‐test). Conclusions The high expression of COX‐2 in LL may be related to high prostaglandin production contributing to T‐cell anergy.