Shared histological and immunohistological findings in two
patients with generalized vitiligo associated with autoimmune atrophic
gastritis
Abstract :
The prevalence of Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis(A.A.G)in vitiligo
patients was estimated about 15%.In both conditions a release of
specific antibodies and an autoimmune destruction of target
cells(melanocytes in vitiligo,parietal cells in AAG) mediated by CD8- T
lymphocytes was demonstrated
Aim :To perform a comparative histological study of vitiligo
skin and A.A.G mucosa
Method :In two patients with cocomitant vitiligo and autoimmune
atrophic gastritis,biopsies from the vitiligo lesions and gastric mucosa
from corpus fundus were preformed. Sections were immunostained with E-
Cadherin,Coll IV,CD8,CD20,CD4 antibodies. The skin sections also were
stained with HES, HMB45, MITF.Result:common histological findings were
found in both diseases. Adhesivity impairment with down expression of E-
Cadherin and Coll IV was objectivated.The protruding MITF+melanocytes
and the detached PC were surrounded by an infiltrate including CD8 and
CD4.CD8 were infiltrating the epidermis in close contact with remaining
melanocytes and the gastric glands around remaining P.C
Discussion : In both diseases the autoimmune process could be
preceeded by a detachment of either melanocytes in vitiligo or PC in AAG
possibly in relation of an initial adhesivity impairment of these cells
Conclusion : A common autoimmune mechanisms could be suggested
for both diseases.