Oral hairy leukoplakia with ultrastructural evidence of Merkel-like cells in human tongue epithelium.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Oral hairy leukoplakia with ultrastructural evidence of Merkel-like cells in human tongue epithelium.

Bull Group Int Rech Sci Stomatol Odontol. 1998 Jan-Mar;40(1):24-37. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98228858
Cobb M; MacNeill R; Tobin J; Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of; Missouri-Kansas City, USA. CobbC@smtpgate.umkc.edu

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to examine cells in the stratum basale and subjacent lamina propria of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) specimens for previously unreported morphological changes. Tongue biopsy specimens were obtained from ten HIV-positive and five healthy male patients and examined by light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Observations made during the investigation revealed the following: (1) LM comparisons of control and OHL specimens indicated that clear cells in the stratum basale ranged from 3 to 7 per 100 basal epithelial cells in healthy tongue mucosa vs. 6 to 15 in OHL. (2) Merkel-like cells were noted in the stratum basale of control biopsies from the dorsal-lateral tongue surface. However, the frequency of observation was so rare as to imply that their presence was an exception rather than the norm. 3) In contrast, Merkel-like cells in OHL specimens were commonly encountered, indicating a possible unique relationship to the pathology. (4) Merkel-like cells associated with OHL lesions were morphologically similar, in all respects, to that of control specimens except for the presence of large, membrane bound, dense granules that ranged in size from 150-300 nm. (5) All biopsies of OHL exhibited evidence of Epstein Barr virus in the stratum corneum and superficial layers of the stratum spinosum. (6) A mild inflammatory infiltrate associated with OHL specimens revealed cytopathic changes in fibroblasts that appeared related to the presence of lymphoid cell types; indicating a possible cytolytic lymphocyte-mediated degradation of antigen altered host cells.

Keywords: *Leukoplakia, Hairy/ULTRASTRUCTURE *Merkel Cells/ULTRASTRUCTURE *Tongue/ULTRASTRUCTURE
980830
M9881173

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1998. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .