Dermatopathic Lymphadenopathy With Increased IgG4-Positive Plasma Cells

Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Jun;94(22):e866. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000866.

Abstract

Both dermatopathic lymphadenopathy (DL) and immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) are frequently complicated with allergic diseases. However, the relationship between DL and IgG4-RD is not well known. To clarify this relationship on the basis of clinical and pathological findings, including IgG4-positive (IgG4+) plasma cell infiltration in lymph nodes (LNs) of DL patients, we analyzed LNs of 11 DL patients using immunostaining of IgG, IgG4, forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interferon (IFN)-γ, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13. Toluidine blue staining was also performed to identify mast cells. Of 3 patients with a high ratio of IgG4+/IgG+ cells (>40%) and elevated serum IgG4 levels, 2 developed IgG4-RD, whereas the other patient did not. Of 8 patients with a low ratio of IgG4+/IgG+ cells (<40%) or no infiltration of IgG4+ cells, 5 who could be followed did not develop IgG4-RD. The numbers of mast cells were similar to those of TGF-β-positive cells, and serial sections showed that mast cells possibly produce TGF-β. LNs of DL patients with a high ratio of IgG4+/IgG+ cells had significantly more mast cells and TGF-β-positive cells than those of patients with a low ratio of IgG4+/IgG+ cells or no infiltration of IgG4+ cells. However, no fibrosis was observed in LNs of both groups. IFN-γ was positive in interdigitating dendritic cells, Langerhans cells, and macrophages. MMP-1, MMP-8, or MMP-13 was expressed in macrophages. The lack of fibrosis in LNs may have been due to the production of IFN-γ, MMP-1, MMP-8, or MMP-13. Thus, DL with increased IgG4+ cells seems to be a phenotype of IgG4-RD in LNs.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism*
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / etiology
  • Lymphatic Diseases / metabolism
  • Lymphatic Diseases / pathology*
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma Cells / physiology*
  • Skin Diseases / etiology
  • Skin Diseases / metabolism
  • Skin Diseases / pathology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism

Substances

  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases, Secreted