Dermatologica · 2009 · 15 citations · 0 references
MedicineDermatologyPathologyDermatopathologyHistopathologyImmunopathologyHistopathology Of Toxic InjuryImmunopathology Of SkinMechanisms Of Toxic InjuryNecrosisPathogenesis Of Toxic LesionsSkin IrritationAcantholytic DisordersAcute Skin IrritationCorneocyte DamageEpidermal ToxicityHost Skin Barrier DisruptionKeratinocyte ActivationSublethal Toxicity
Many coelenterates can injure human skin by means of their nematocytes. Our study was based upon clinico-pathological confrontations and was also conducted in vitro with sea anemones. Most acute reactions were toxic in nature and induced sublethal and lethal alterations of the keratinocytes with swelling of their cytoplasms and pyknosis. Another reaction found in 1 patient revealed an acantholytic disruption of the epidermis associated with intercellular deposits of IgG. These lesions were different from the late or recurrent reactions to coelenterates.