Integumentary System

Skin - Vesicle

Narrative
Comment:
Vesicles are small, circumscribed, subcorneal (intraepidermal) or subepidermal cystlike spaces that contain serous fluid (Figure 1 ). They represent detachment of damaged epithelium with the resulting space being filled by fluid. Vesicles may form after exposure to caustic agents. They may also form as part of an allergic response in the skin in which edema and congestion are seen initially, followed eventually by vesicle formation. Vesicles typically occur in the initial stages of acute inflammation after skin injury but are not often present at the end of a study. Consequently, they are a relatively rare finding.
Recommendations:
Because they can provide information regarding the severity of a response to a test agent, or they may suggest an allergic type of response, vesicles should be recorded and graded whenever present. Grading should be based on size and number. Other associated lesions in the skin, such as inflammation or necrosis, should be diagnosed separately.
References:

Elwell MR, Stedman MA, Kovatch RM. 1990. Skin and subcutis. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 261-277.

Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/9002563

Klein-Szanto AJP, Conti CJ. 2002. Skin and oral mucosa. In: Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology, 2nd ed (Haschek WM, Rousseaux CG, Wallig MA, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 2:85-116.

Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780123302151

Peckham JC, Heider K. 1999. Skin and subcutis. In: Pathology of the Mouse: Reference and Atlas (Maronpot RR, Boorman GA, Gaul BW, eds). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 555-612.

Abstract: http://www.cacheriverpress.com/books/pathmouse.htm
  • Image of vesicle in the skin from a female B6C3F1 mouse in a chronic study

    Vesicle-subepidermal cystlike space that contains serous fluid (arrow) in a female B6C3F1 mouse from an 80-week study.

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Vesicle-subepidermal cystlike space that contains serous fluid (arrow) in a female B6C3F1 mouse from an 80-week study.
Vesicle-subepidermal cystlike space that contains serous fluid (arrow) in a female B6C3F1 mouse from an 80-week study.

Authors

Molly H. Boyle, DVM, MPH, DACVP
Toxicologic Pathologist
Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Georgette D. Hill, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Toxicologic Pathologist
Assistant Pathology Program Manager
Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc. Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Michael R. Elwell, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Anatomic Pathologist
Covance Laboratories, Inc.
Washington, D.C.

David E. Malarkey DVM, PhD, DACVP, FIATP
Head, National Toxicology Program Pathology Group
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC