Skin Disorders Flashcards
What are the 5 layers of the epidermis (from top to bottom)?
Stratum corneum Stratum lucideum Stratum granulosum Stratum spinosum Stratum basale
What is in the stratum corneum?
Layers of compacted dead cells
No organelles or nucleus
Full of keratin
What is in the stratum lucideum?
A transparent layer that is only present in hardened areas of skin
What is in the stratum granulosum?
Glycolipids that make the skin waterproof
Granular cells that arrange the keratin filaments
What is in the stratum spinosum?
8-10 layers
Contains Langerhan cells
Contains keratinocytes
Cells are adhered by desmosomes
What is in the stratum basale?
Single layer
Contains melanocytes
Undergoing continuous mitosis, forcing the layers upwards
What are features of melanocytes?
Produce melanin
Highly proliferative
Large nucleus
Features of keratinocytes
Produce keratin
Reach the top layer of skin in around 1 month
Become more differentiated as they rise up the layers, losing their nuclei and organelles
Features of Langerhan cells
Adapted macrophages
Can phagocytose pathogens and become APCs
Activate T helper 17 cells
Secrete proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-2
Features of T helper 17 cells
Activated by Langerhan cells
Secretes IL-17 which causes proliferation of keratinocytes
Secretes cytokines which activate leukocytes and cause production of APPs
What is psoriasis characterised by?
Formation of scaly white plaques on the skin
How are the symptoms of psoriasis formed?
Excessive proliferation of the stratum basale
Keratinocytes move towards the surface in 3-5 days
Reach the top still undifferentiated and nucleated
Still lacking desmosomes, and do not stack correctly
How is psoriasis initiated?
Caused by an inflammatory trigger such as injury, pathogen or allergen
This activates Langerhan cells
Langerhan cells activate Th17 cells by secreting IL-2 and presenting the pathogen antigen
Activated Th17 cells secrete IL-17 which causes proliferation of keratinocytes
What are the roles of cytokines in psoriasis?
Systemic symptoms (e.g. tiredness)
Activates complement
Causes inflammation, allowing neutrophils to invade tissues
What are some uses for immunosuppressive drugs?
Preventing organ rejection after transplant
Treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions