608 Augmentation of Sebum Production and Cell Proliferation by Cyclosporine in Hamster Sebocytes in vitro

Abstract

IIn humans, perspiration is essential for skin homeostasis. Sweat consists of metabolites, antibiotic peptides, and electrolytes; and it contributes to body temperature regulation, immune defense, and moisture retention. Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is an intractable disease that causes skin dryness and may result in fatal heatstroke. Symptoms related to AIGA impair patient quality of life scores; however, there are currently few promising treatment strategies. The etiology of AIGA remains obscure; therefore, further study is greatly warranted to better establish disease therapy. To investigate the pathogenesis of AIGA, transcriptome analysis was used to identify pathogenic genes by comparing skin specimens from anhidrotic and hidrotic areas of AIGA patients. Unexpectedly, genes related to immune-cell activation were upregulated in hidrotic sweat glands and, in contrast, were downregulated in anhidrotic sweat glands (e.g.,Th1 pathway, Calcuim-induced T lymphocyte). These results suggest a possible role of sweat glands in cellular immunity.