Immunohistochemical study of serotonin in lesions of chronic eczema

Background Inflammatory mediators participate in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of skin disease (e.g. eczema). Although some investigators have suggested that serotonin may participate in the eczematous process, there has been little substantial evidence. Our objective was to study further the participation of serotonin in the pathogenesis of chronic eczema. Methods Immunohistochemical techniques were used to study the expression of serotonin in the lesions of patients with chronic eczema. Results There was a significantly stronger expression of serotonin in the prickle cells, sweat gland cells, sebaceous gland cells, and hair roots of the lesions in patients with chronic eczema. There was no positive expression of serotonin in normal skin. Conclusions Serotonin is probably important in the pathogenesis of chronic eczema. We demonstrated alterations in the expression of serotonin in chronic eczema lesions, which may in turn provide new insight into the pathogenesis of chronic eczema. Serotonin, along with cytokines, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and macrophages, participates in the immune response and influences the inflammatory process by means of keratinocytes.