A Study of the Concentration of Pyridine Coenzymes in the Human Corium with Special Reference to Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Abstract

The corium (below the stratum pupillare) from the skin of patients suffering from dermatitis herpetiformis was examined quantitatively with respect to the total amount of pyridine coenzymes (NAD⁺, NADH, NADP⁺, NADPH). In order to measure the concentration of the coenzymes in the cells DNA was chosen as a reference. A comparison was made between skin under treatment and that of the same patients without treatment. Five patients were examined. The amount of the coenzymes was measured by a fluorescence method. This method together with the application of the DNA analysis is described. In a comparison of the analytical values obtained there seems to be no significant difference between skin under treatment and without treatment (without and with active lesions). The analytical values obtained are within the range of the values for normal skin.

Key Words:

• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• NAD
• NADP
• skin