Trial Information

Induction of Suction Blisters in Patients With Urticaria, Blistering Diseases, Inflammatory Dermatoses and Neoplastic Disorders, and in Normal Volunteers

The use of a suction blister apparatus has facilitated study of the immunologic capacity of
human epidermal cells. We have been able to prepare purified populations of these cells
after blister formation. Specifically, using the blister tops, we are able to enrich for
epidermal Langerhans cells which are very potent stimulators in antigen presenting assays.
Thus, this normal volunteer study provides an important source of fresh epidermal tissue
from which we can study normal epidermal Langerhans cell function. In addition, we have
recently used blister roofs in important experimental models of HIV-1 transmission. There
is no other method available for assessing the biologic function of freshly isolated
Langerhans cells without altering their milieu. It is a very safe and effective way to
obtain human epidermal samples.