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Biomedical subjects

F A Bahmer

Publications and source records attributed to F A Bahmer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

In situ detection of retinoid-X receptor expression in normal and psoriatic human skin.

Increasing evidence suggests that the retinoid-X receptors RXR(-alpha,-beta,-gamma) play a crucial part in regulating the transcriptional activity of several steroid hormone receptors, including 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors (VDR) and retinoic acid receptors (RAR-alpha,-beta,-gamma). We developed a new technique for immunohistochemical in situ detection of RXR receptors, and investigated the localization of RXR-alpha in normal and psoriatic human skin using a recently raised corresponding specific antibody. RXR-alpha positive cells related to the skin were phenotyped by sequential sections and a double-labelling procedure for the simultaneous demonstration of this nuclear receptor and cell membrane antigens, as well as cytokeratin 10, HLA-DR and vimentin. Our findings indicate that: (i) RXR-alpha is strongly expressed in normal and psoriatic human skin; (ii) most of the cell types in normal human skin, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts and skin immune cells such as Langerhans cells, reveal strong nuclear immunoreactivity for RXR-alpha, with less cytoplasmic staining; (iii) altered levels or distribution of RXR-alpha in the skin do not appear to be involved in the genesis of psoriasis vulgaris, but subepidermal and subcellular distribution suggest a function of RXR-alpha in the transition from proliferation to differentiation in epidermal keratinocytes; (iv) expression in the hair follicle points to a contribution from RXR-alpha to hair growth.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Allergic contact dermatitis from purified eosin.

We report on a patient, seen in 1993, who developed sensitization to eosin from topical preparations. The patient had a positive patch test reaction to pure tetrabromofluorescein but not to its impurities separated by thin-layer chromatography. Our findings suggest that the allergen was eosin itself.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Oral lichenoid lesions, mercury hypersensitivity and combined hypersensitivity to mercury and other metals: histologically-proven reproduction of the reaction by patch testing with metal salts.

We report 11 patients seen between 1991 and 1994 with oral lichenoid lesions (OLL). In 10 cases, there was contact with dental amalgam fillings, and in patient no. 10 with both amalgam restorations and a gold crown. The last patient had, in addition to her OLL, lichen planus of the skin and genital mucosa. In 5 cases, combined sensitization to mercury and other metal salts, particularly gold sodium thiosulfate (GST) and palladium chloride (PDC), was observed. In 10 patients, the lesions considerably improved or totally cleared within 1 to 9 months of replacement of restoration materials. Histological examination of biopsies from the test sites of amalgam, mercuric chloride, GST and PDC, taken 10 or 17 days after application of patch tests, showed lichenoid changes in 7 patients with at least 1 of the allergens. As at least 2 patients had inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa related to both amalgam and gold restorations, combined sensitization to inorganic and organic mercury derivatives, GST and, in 1 case, PDC, a "dental restoration metal intolerance syndrome" is proposed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Hair follicle expression of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors during the murine hair cycle.

Because the hair follicle is a highly hormone-sensitive miniorgan, the role of hormones produced locally in the skin in the control of hair growth deserves systematic analysis. It has been shown previously that the potent steroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3) modulates growth and differentiation of keratinocytes via binding to a high-affinity nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). In this study, we have examined the in situ expression of VDR during the murine hair cycle. VDR expression was detected immunohistochemically. To obtain defined stages of the murine hair cycle, hair growth was induced by depilation in C57 BL-6 mice. In addition to the recognized VDR expression of outer root sheath keratinocytes, we detected VDR immunoreactive cells in the dermal papilla, the mesenchymal key structure of the hair follicle. Furthermore, VDR immunoreactivity in the nuclei of outer root sheath keratinocytes and in dermal papilla cells was stronger during anagen IV-VI and catagen than during telogen and anagen I-III. This suggests hair cycle-associated changes in the expression of VDR, and points to a potential role for 1,25-D3 in hair follicle biology. Selected follicular cell populations may display hair cycle-dependent sensitivity to 1,25-D3 stimulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Erythema-multiforme-like, urticarial papular and plaque eruptions from bufexamac: report of 4 cases.

4 patients developed an erythema-multiforme-like reaction following acute contact dermatitis from 2 different bufexamac-containing topical preparations. Histologically, the lesions did not show changes that were typical of erythema multiforme. Patch testing gave positive reactions to bufexamac at 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. The histological picture of 2 positive test reactions was suggestive of a drug reaction in the 1st, and of an acute eczematous reaction in the 2nd, case. A systemic allergic reaction with spread of lesions could have been involved, following percutaneous absorption of the allergen.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Safety and efficacy of topical levocabastine compared with oral terfenadine.

This double-blind, parallel-group study compared topical levocabastine (eye drops and nasal spray) and oral terfenadine in 27 patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis over a period of 8 weeks. The main aim of this trial was to assess the ocular tolerability of levocabastine eye drops. Comparison of therapeutic efficacy was a secondary study objective. Use of oral and ocular medication was mandatory, however the nasal spray was only to be used when required. The use of nasal spray was 46% in the levocabastine group and 56% in the terfenadine group. Ophthalmologic examinations indicated that levocabastine eye drops were well tolerated. The incidence of adverse reactions was 31% in the levocabastine group and 43% in the terfenadine group. At the end of the trial, a total of 88% of levocabastine-treated patients rated the effect of therapy on ocular symptoms to be excellent or good compared with 75% of those who received terfenadine, while 75% of patients in each group were satisfied with the effect of therapy on nasal symptoms. The investigator's evaluation of symptom severity revealed consistently better results with levocabastine. Levocabastine was significantly more effective than terfenadine in relieving ocular itching (p = .02). The patients' visual analogue scale ratings also showed significantly better results for levocabastine, particularly with respect to nasal symptoms. Levocabastine was significantly better than terfenadine for a number of symptoms on days when the pollen count was high. In conclusion, topical levocabastine appears to be a well-tolerated and effective alternative to oral terfenadine for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1993

Analytic morphology in clinical and experimental dermatology.

During the past several years, quantitative morphology has gained increasing attention in diagnostic pathology and in certain research applications. In the field of dermatopathology, quantitative morphology has been applied to numerous problems, ranging from the interactive measurement of nuclear contours to fully automated, high-resolution image analysis of ultrastructural micrographs. Dermatologic applications are reviewed, and potential developments in the future are briefly outlined.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Benzalkonium chloride--a relevant contact allergen or irritant? Results of a multicenter study of the German Contact Allergy Group].

At eight dermatological clinics, a total of 2146 patients were tested between May 1990 and December 1991 to determine the significance of the preservative benzalkonium chloride in inducing allergic contact dermatitis and to evaluate recommendations for patch testing. In 225 cases an allergic reaction was proven, with 258 irritant reactions in addition. Only 12 cases were clinically relevant. Therefore, benzalkonium chloride is considered a weak allergen. A doubtful (erythema) or an incipient positive (with occasional papules) reaction may be regarded as an irritant reaction. In isolated cases a "repeated open application test" (ROAT) should be applied to determine clinical relevance. Our recommendation for patch testing is 0.1% benzalkonium chloride in vaseline, and also in water for special cases.

Benzalkonium Compounds↗
PubMed1992

ADASI score: atopic dermatitis area and severity index.

The scoring system for atopic dermatitis presented is based on determination by point counting of involved body areas. On body diagrams, involved areas are colour-coded according to the severity of the skin changes and evaluated by applying a transparent grid. To obtain the ADASI score, the area fractions are weighted and multiplied by the intensity of the itching. The scoring values obtained are analysed by trend-and-time series analyses. These methods allow a clear statistical evaluation in each individual case. In a study on the effect of borage oil on atopic dermatitis, the value of this scoring system and of the statistical single-case analytic methods could be demonstrated.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1992

Morphometry in clinical dermatology.

Rapid and simple methods are presented which allow the estimation of areas, area fraction and contour lengths in clinical dermatology. They are based on point counting and intercept measurements using simple grids made on transparent film or on overhead foils. Because of their ease of use, these grids allow the determination of the size as well as the irregularity of skin lesions even during daily clinical work. The applications presented here include the area determination of naevi, leg ulcers, wheal and flare reactions and migration areas in lymphocyte and macrophage migration assays. Additionally, the determination of area fraction in psoriasis and sebutape evaluation is described. Other possible applications such as estimation or contour length, and determination of irregularity and estimation of the volume of tumours are discussed.

Dermatology↗
PubMed1992

[Practical use of the TDF factor in radiotherapy of basalioma and squamous cell carcinoma].

For X-ray therapy, the relation between single doses, number of fractions and duration of therapy have been combined in the TDF (time, dose, fraction) factor by Orton and Ellis. This factor seems to be well suited to evaluation of the X-ray therapy of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. A simplified TDF formula is presented, together with some methods of calculation. Furthermore, tables are presented containing TDF values for frequently applied single doses and for two to five fractions per week. In addition, some hints are given on the use of the decay factor of Orton and Ellis to compensate for the loss of X-ray effectiveness if therapy has been interrupted.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗
PubMed1992

[Treatment of atopic dermatitis with borage seed oil (Glandol)--a time series analytic study].

The therapy of atopic dermatitis with highly unsaturated fatty acids has witnessed a renaissance in the last years. Therefore, a study was conducted with borage oil (Glandol), rich in highly unsaturated, so-called omega fatty acids, against palm seed oil as placebo in a total of 12 patients. Evaluation of the severity of the skin changes was done by means of the ADASI (Atopic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index)-score system described by us recently. The ADASI-scores, forming a time series, were analyzed by trend analysis methods. These methods allow an evaluation of the effectiveness of the therapy in each case. The analysis revealed that five out of seven patients treated with borage oil showed a favourable effect with regard to the skin changes assessed by the ADASI-score. In contrast, only one out of the five patients treated with placebo showed a significant improvement in skin changes. In view of the positive effect ob borage oil in patients with atopic dermatitis, a trial therapy for a certain period seems justified. Our study demonstrates both the value of our ADASI-scoring system as well as the advantages that time series or trend analysis methods might have for the evaluation of therapeutic effects in chronic skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1990

Penetration and enrichment of flufenamic acid in calf skin from patients with stasis dermatitis.

To investigate the hypothesis that the application of medicaments to skin from the lower leg of patients with stasis dermatitis might lead to their enhanced enrichment, compared with uninvolved skin from the same region, a penetration study was performed with flufenamic acid. In 5 patients with pronounced changes of chronic venous insufficiency and in 5 control patients without chronic venous insufficiency the flufenamic acid content in skin sections parallel to the surface was determined by HPLC. In chronic venous insufficiency-skin, the flufenamic acid concentration was higher in all skin levels compared to control skin. This enrichment of the substance could lead to a prolonged and more intense contact with antigen-presenting cells in this region, thus promoting the development of contact allergies observed so frequently in this pathologic condition.

Adult↗