Title:

Investigation of alterations in small nerve fibers and local neurogenic mechanisms in vulvar lichen sclerosus

Author:

Milian-Ciesielska, Katarzyna

Subject:

vulvar lichen sclerosus ; intraepidermal nerve fiber density ; itch ; PAR-2

Abstract:

Sensory symptoms in vulvar lichen sclerosus (itch and pain) do not always respond to conventional treatment and often severely affect quality of patients’ life. The present study, performed on formalin fixed paraffin embedded skin samples of vulvar lichen sclerosus and normal vulvar skin, is the first in literature to describe their possible pathophysiological and pathomorphological background. In the lesional skin in lichen sclerosus compared to healthy skin, the significant decrease in density of intraepidermal nerve fibers stained with neuronal marker PGP 9.5 and nerve regeneration marker GAP-43, increase in density of intraepidermal nerve fibers stained with CGRP, increase in expression of pruritic receptors (PAR-2 in endothelial cells and mast cells around nerves, opioid receptor μ in leukocytes) and increase in number of main cells responsible for presence of neurogenic inflammation, mast cells in dermis and around nerve fibers, was shown. Emerging new therapeutic options targeting aforementioned alterations indicate the necessity of further investigations in this field.

Place of publishing:

Kraków

Level of degree:

2 - studia doktoranckie

Degree discipline:

patomorfologia.

Degree grantor:

Wydział Lekarski

Promoter:

Adamek, Dariusz

Date:

2021

Date issued:

2020

Type:

Praca doktorska

Call number:

ZB-133859

Language:

pol

Access rights:

nieograniczony