Apoptosis as a mechanism of keratinocyte death in toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Paul, C; Wolkenstein, P; Adle, H; Wechsler, J; Garchon, H J; Revuz, J; Roujeau, J C · Br J Dermatol · 1996

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are life-threatening diseases characterized by extensive epidermal destruction. The aim of our study was to investigate apoptosis in keratinocytes of patients with TEN and TEN/SJS overlap syndrome. Keratinocytes from TEN patients were found to undergo extensive apoptosis. These results suggest that cell destruction in TEN occurs as a result of apoptosis. Our findings suggest that apoptosis inhibitory agents may play an important part in the therapeutic strategy of TEN.

Medical subject headings