Immunohistologic analysis of the distribution of the α5(IV) collagen chain

The analysis was carried out in the skin of (A) controls, (B) male and (C) female patients with X-linked Alport syndrome, and (D) patients with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome. The α5(IV) chain is (A) present in the epidermal basement membrane (arrow) of the skin of controls but is (B) absent from the skin basement membrane (arrow) of the male patient with X-linked Alport syndrome. (C) Segmental labeling (single arrow) is seen in the X-linked female patient. Nonspecific labeling of the keratin layer is indicated by a double arrow. (D) Normal staining patterns of the epidermal basement membrane (single arrow) are observed in autosomal recessive Alport syndrome. Nonspecific labeling of the keratin layer is indicated by a double arrow.