Skin capillary changes in early systemic scleroderma. Electron microscopy and "in vitro" autoradiography with tritiated thymidine

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Abstract
Skin biopsy specimens obtained from involved and noninvolved areas in a patient with early diffuse systemic scleroderma were processed for histology, EM and in vitro autoradiography with 3H-thymidine. The affected area revealed cellular infiltrates around the eccrine sweat glands, consisting of plasma cells and lymphocytes. The capillaries showed thickening of the basement lamina, damage of endothelial cells and obstruction of their lumens. However, in some vessels, endothelial cells were preserved and appeared in prophase. Autoradiography with 3H-thymidine showed a marked increase in endothelial and periendothelial cell labeling. Blood immunological studies revealed an increase in B[bone marrow-derived]-lymphocytes, IgG [immunoglobulin G] and IgA and the presence of antinuclear and anti-smooth muscle antibodies.