Immunohistochemical Study of Cytokeratin Expression in Familial and Non-familial White Sponge Nevi

Abstract

： Purpose: White sponge nevus （WSN） is characterized by a widespread white, soft, thick plaque, and is con-sidered to represent a rare autosomal-dominant disorder. We immunohistochemically analyzed familial and non-familial cases of WSN to clarify the pathogeneses. Methods: Biopsy specimens were examined for two cases of familial WSN and six cases of non-familial WSN that had been clinically and histopathologically confirmed. Anti-keratin 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, and 16 antibodies were used for immunohistochemical analyses. Results: In familial and non-familial WSN, clinical features and results of histopathology using hematoxylin and eosin staining are very similar. No differences in staining patterns for keratin 4, 5, 6, 10, or 16 were evident between groups. However, epithelial layers in non-familial cases showed good staining with anti-K13 antibody, whereas familial WSN showed no staining with anti-K13 antibody in the epithelial layers. Conclusion: Immunohistochemical examination showed different staining patterns. These differences may be attribut-able to differences in K13 mutation status.