Expression of keratins 14, 10 and 16 in marginal keratoderma of the palms.

Accepted: October 10, 2005 SUMMARY Marginal keratoderma of the palms (MKP), also known as degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands, is an infrequent disease affecting individuals with photoaged skin and submitted to mechanical trauma of the hands. The aim of the study was to study the expression of keratin 14 (K14) in the basal layer and keratins 10 (K10) and 16 (K16) in the suprabasal layer, and to establish the effect of growth factors and receptors of the epidermal growth factor in the genesis of hyperkeratosis observed in MKP. The study included 14 patients with MKP. Expression of keratins 10, 14 and 16 was visualized by immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies by standard immunoperoxidase method. As control three normal skin samples were used. Absence or weak expression of keratins 14 and 10, and strong expression of keratin 16 was recorded in MKP patients. It was concluded that MKP patients present weak expression of keratins 14 (basal membrane) and 10 (suprabasal layer) but strong expression of keratin 16, emphasizing the importance of stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptors by ultraviolet radiation and traumatism.