Premium
LH7:2, a new monoclonal antibody for use in the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa
Author(s) -
Leigh Irene M.,
Purkis P.E.,
Heagerty A.H.,
Eady R.A.J.
Publication year - 1985
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 - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1985.tb13006.x
Subject(s) - lamina densa , epidermolysis bullosa , anchoring fibrils , pathology , cicatricial pemphigoid , basal lamina , staining , lamina lucida , monoclonal antibody , bullous pemphigoid , laminin , immunofluorescence , antibody , basement membrane , medicine , biology , pemphigoid , immunology , extracellular matrix , ultrastructure , microbiology and biotechnology
Monoclonal antibodies provide unique opportunities to detect subtle changes in the structure of the basal lamina particularly in the diagnosis of different subgroups of epidermolysis bullosa. The monoclonal antibody LH7:2 was produced following immunization of Balb C mice with 1% NP40 extract of trypsin separated epidermal cells (predominantly basal cells). By indirect immunofluorescence of skin sections, strong staining of the basal laminae of interfollicular and follicular epidermis, sweat glands and sebaceous glands was obtained. The basal laminae of other stratified squamous epithelia such as oral, oesophageal and cervical epithelia react with LH7:2 but not those of most simple epithelia including gastric and renal epithelia. Weak placental staining is obtained. The basal laminae of blood vessels do not react with LH7:2. Immuno‐autoradiography, ELISA testing and immuno‐blotting show no reactivity with laminin, entactin, fibronectin and types I‐VI collagen. Immuno‐electronmicroscopy shows deposition in the lamina densa and possibly anchoring fibrils. LH7 : 2 antigen has been shown to be absent in generalized, severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) (n = 8) and present but reduced in localized recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa ( n = 2), but normal in dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa ( n = 6). Staining is normal in junctional epidermolysis bullosa ( n = 4) and epidermolysis bullosa simplex ( n = 2). This antibody may be useful in the rapid diagnosis of generalized severe RDEB, especially in antenatal diagnosis in affected families and in the distinction between localized RDEB and DDEB for genetic counselling.