Figure 2

Immunohistochemical analysis of decorin of site-matched skin biopsy specimens before (A, C, E) and after (B, D, F) UVA1 phototherapy Biopsy specimens were taken from sclerotic skin lesions of the forearms of patients 1 (A, B), 2 (C, D), and 3 (E, F), and were stained with monoclonal antibody 6B6 that recognize core protein of small dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, decorin. Decorin is decreased in upper to middle dermis and enlarged collagen bundles are disappeared after UVA1 phototherapy. Decorin is slightly increased in papillary dermis, suggesting newly synthesized collagen. In normal skin (G), decorin is stained entire dermis, but epidermis, dermal region facing the basement membrane, and appendage are not stained.