Split Skin Antibodies

Immunology

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Description

Antibodies that react with structural components of the skin are responsible for blistering autoimmune skin diseases. These antibodies can be categorised into those that react to antigens either in the basement membrane or the desmosome components of skin tissue. Basement membrane antibodies are associated with pemphigoid, causing subepidermal blistering. Through the use of primate salt-split skin substrate, antibodies directed against the epidermal (e.g. BP180, BP230) and dermal (e.g. lamin 5, collagen VII) sides of the basement membrane can be differentiated. Epidermal staining is associated with bullous pemphigoid, whereas dermal staining is associated with the rarer epidermolysis bullosa acquisita [1,2,3].

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Indications

Differentiation of autoimmune pemphigoid (basement membrane) skin diseases.

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Sample Type

Serum (Gel 5ml Yellow). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Normal = Negative.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

As required

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References

Gammon WR, Fine JD, Forbes M and Briggaman RA. Immunofluorescence on split skin for the detection and differentiation of basement membrane zone autoantibodies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992. 27(1): 79-87. [Ref 1].
Odell ID and Cook D. Immunofluorescence techniques. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2013. 133: 1-4. [Ref 2].
Arbache ST, Nogueira TG, Delgado L, Miyamoto D and Aoki V. Immunofluorescence testing in the diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases: overview of 10 year experience. An. Bras. Dermatol. 89(6). [Ref 3].

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.