Erythrokeratodermia Congenitalis Progressiva Symmetrica (Gottron)

Abstract

The rate of epidermal cell proliferation was analyzed in a lesion and in normal skin area of a female patient of 21 suffering from erythrokeratodermia congenitalis progressiva symmetrica (Gottron). The study was based on incorporation of labelled thymidine in epidermal cells followed by radioautography. Mitotic and labelling indices were counted and duration of different phases of cell cycle (S, G<sub>2</sub>, M and G<sub>1</sub> were calculated. In the uninvolved skin, the mitotic index was 0.3%, labelling index 4.0%, S phase 7.2 h, median G<sub>2</sub> phase 3.5 h and mitosis 32 min (late prophase to anaphase). G<sub>1</sub> phase was 169 h and the germinative cell cycle 180 h. In the lesion, mitotic index was 1.0%, labelling index 11.6%, S phase 8.8 h, median G<sub>2</sub> phase 3.7 h, mitosis 46 min, G<sub>1</sub> phase was 66 h and the germinative cell cycle 76 h. It was concluded that the rate of cell proliferation is markedly increased in the lesion because of shortening of the interphase. The mode of hyperkeratosis was considered to be due to increased cell proliferation rather than to retention of the horny layer.