Objective: To study the relation of apoptosis and pathogenesis of lupus erythematosus.
Methods: Expressions of Fas and Fas ligand(FasL) were detected in 30 lesions of discoid lupus erythematosus(DLE) and 5 skin specimens from healthy controls by immunohistochemical staining.
Results: Fas and FasL were positively expressed in most epidermal keratinocytes, infiltrating lymphocytes around blood vessels and appendages, and Fas was positively expressed in a few sweat ducts and hair follicles. Fas and FasL expressions were weakly positive or negative in healthy controls.
Conclusion: Apoptosis induced by Fas, FasL pathway may be related to the pathogenesis of lupus erythematosus.