Merkel Cells in Hyperplastic and Neoplastic Lesions of the Skin

    January 1998 in “ Dermatology ”
    Jean Kanitakis, Dominique Bourchany, Michel Faure, A Claudy
    TLDR Merkel cell increase is specific to certain skin diseases, not general skin growth.
    The study investigated the distribution of Merkel cells in 165 skin lesions using a monoclonal antibody to keratin 20. It found that Merkel cell numbers were frequently increased in conditions such as actinic keratosis, fibrous papules of the face, and some lesions with immature hair follicle differentiation. The conclusion suggested that Merkel cell hyperplasia was not related to general epidermal proliferation but was specific to certain skin diseases.
    Discuss this study in the Community →