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Localization of tumour necrosis factor‐α converting enzyme in normal human skin
Author(s) -
Kawaguchi M.,
Mitsuhashi Y.,
Kondo S.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2004.01455.x
Subject(s) - dermis , immunohistochemistry , tumor necrosis factor alpha , pathology , epidermis (zoology) , human skin , necrosis , biology , metalloproteinase , disintegrin , enzyme , medicine , endocrinology , anatomy , biochemistry , genetics
Summary The tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α converting enzyme (TACE) is a metalloproteinase‐disintegrin that releases soluble TNF‐α from cells by cleaving within the extracellular domain of membrane‐bound pro‐TNF‐α. TACE knockout mice display a range of epithelial abnormalities. However, the localization of TACE in normal human skin is unclear. In this study, we examined the expression of TACE in normal skin by immunohistochemical analysis. The expression of TACE was seen throughout all layers of the epidermis, the hair follicles, eccrine ducts and glands, and sebaceous glands. There was also staining of blood vessels in the dermis. In particular, TACE was localized predominantly in mast cells, suggesting that these cells are an important source of TNF‐α.