Psoriatic architecture constructed by epidermal remodeling

J Dermatol Sci. 2004 Aug;35(2):93-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2004.01.003.

Abstract

Epidermal remodeling is the concept that epidermal architecture is determined by a simple self-organizing mechanism; epidermal hyperproliferation constructs typical psoriatic architecture. This is based on the assumption that the enlargements in both the two-dimensional proliferative compartment (basal cell layer) and three-dimensional whole epidermal volume coexist. During this process, the dermal papillae become markedly, but passively, expanded by enlargement of the proliferative compartment. This creates a considerable shrinkage force against the crowded basal cell layer, which is forced to lose adherence to the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM). This results in anoikis, a type of apoptosis characterized by cell detachment, and, consequently, a markedly diminished epidermal turnover time in psoriasis. The papillary shrinkage force also explains the fact that dermal papillary height does not exceed a certain limit. At the cessation of hyperproliferation a normalisation remodeling takes place toward normal tissue architecture. Thus the concept of epidermal remodeling explains the self-organizing mechanism of the architectural change in psoriasis, which is essentially a reversible disorder depending on epidermal hyperproliferation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anoikis
  • Cell Division
  • Epidermis / pathology*
  • Epidermis / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Psoriasis / pathology*
  • Psoriasis / physiopathology
  • Stem Cells / pathology