Nylon brush macular amyloidosis

Arch Dermatol. 1987 May;123(5):633-7.

Abstract

Long-term use of a nylon brush for back scratching by a 53-year-old white woman was associated with the development of typical macular amyloidosis. EKH4 monoclonal antikeratin antibody, which recognizes 50-kd neutral and acidic keratin species, labeled this amyloid. Confirmation of amyloid substance in the lesion included positive staining with Dylon and thioflavin T; immunohistochemical reactions with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against elastic fiber microfibrils (NKH1 and anti-P component), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA), and complement (C3); and electron microscopic identification of 6- to 10-nm straight filaments. Type IV collagen staining demonstrated a breakage and/or thickening of the dermoepidermal basement membrane above the amyloid deposition in the papillary dermis. Electron microscopic findings confirmed this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amyloidosis / chemically induced*
  • Amyloidosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Immunochemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Nylons / adverse effects*
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Nylons