Aim
In the present study we investigated potential involvement of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) cutaneous equivalent in ongoing mastocytosis. Material and
Conclusions
Taken together, it was confirmed that the expression elements of HPA was modulated in mastocytosis, thus the potential involvement of general and local stress responses in its pathogenesis should be postulated and further investigated.
Material and methods
The expression of HPA elements: CRH, UCN1, UCN2, UCN3, CRHR1, POMC, MC1R, MC2R and NR3C1 was assessed for their mRNA level in skin biopsies of adult patients with mastocytosis and healthy donors (n = 16 and 19, respectively), while CRH, UCN1, CRHR1, ACTH and MC1R were selected for immunostaining assay (n = 13 and 7, respectively). The expression of CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) isomers was investigated by RT-PCR. The ELISA was used for detection of cortisol, CRH, UCN and ACTH in the serum.
Methods
The expression of HPA elements: CRH, UCN1, UCN2, UCN3, CRHR1, POMC, MC1R, MC2R and NR3C1 was assessed for their mRNA level in skin biopsies of adult patients with mastocytosis and healthy donors (n = 16 and 19, respectively), while CRH, UCN1, CRHR1, ACTH and MC1R were selected for immunostaining assay (n = 13 and 7, respectively). The expression of CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) isomers was investigated by RT-PCR. The ELISA was used for detection of cortisol, CRH, UCN and ACTH in the serum.
Results
The decrease in the expression of HPA element of skin equivalent was observed on both mRNA and protein levels, however quantification of immunohistochemical data was impeded due to melanin in epidermis. Furthermore, we observed infiltration of dermis with HPA elements overexpressing mononuclear cells, which is in the agreement with an in vitro study showing a high expression of HPA elements by mast cells. Conclusions: Taken together, it was confirmed that the expression elements of HPA was modulated in mastocytosis, thus the potential involvement of general and local stress responses in its pathogenesis should be postulated and further investigated.