Protocol Number: 00-I-0099

Title:

Langherhans' Cell Function and Inflammatory Responses in Skin of Normal Volunteers and Patients with Helminth Infections Using the Suction Blister Technique

Number:

00-I-0099

Summary:

This study will compare the structure, chemical composition and other characteristics of skin and blood in people with and without parasitic infections. Cell samples will be taken from blisters produced by suction blistering. This study may provide new information about the interactions between parasites and the immune system that could lead to better treatments for these infections.

Normal volunteers and patients with acute helminth (a type of parasite) infections aged 18 years older may be eligible for this study. Participants will undergo suction blistering to provide cells needed for study. A suction blister device is attached to the skin of the thigh or forearm. A heating element in the device heats the skin to speed blister formation. (This will feel only a slightly warm.) The device is removed after about two hours, when the blisters have formed. Fluid from the blisters is drawn with a syringe, and the blister tops are removed with scissors. The blistered areas are then treated with special dressings to promote healing and the participant is discharged with further wound care instructions. A small amount of blood (around four tablespoons) may be drawn to compare chemicals in the blood with chemicals in the blister fluid. Participants will be contacted by telephone over the next 72 hours to check on healing.

Up to 60 blisters may be produced over a one-year period (in three separate sessions every six months) with no more than 20 raised per session.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. Age greater than or equal to 18 years

2. Access to a primary medical care provider outside of the NIH

3. Able to give informed consent

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. History of malignancy or autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, pyoderma gangrenosum

2. Use of systemic corticosteroids within the past month

3. Use of local corticosteroids at the proposed blistering site within the past month

4. Evidence of current acute infection

5. Personal or family history of keloid formation

6. Use of any investigative drugs within the past month

7. History of skin disease within the past one year (e.g. psoriasis, atopic dermatitis)

8. History of diabetes

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Antigen Presentation

Cytokines

Dendritic Cells

Helminth

Th2

Recruitment Keywords:

Healthy Volunteer

Helminth Infection

Conditions:

Healthy

Helminthiasis

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

Suction blister device for separation of viable epidermis from dermis

Human Langerhans cells express E-cadherin

Skin window studies of the acute inflammatory responses of neutropenic patients

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

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Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/27/2004