The role of androgen receptors in the clinical course of nevus sebaceus ofJadassohn

Nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn (NSJ) is a benign, congenital hamartoma that of ten presents at birth, appears to regress in childhood, and grows during pu berty, suggesting possible hormonal control. We studied 18 cases of NSJ fro m children and adults for immunohistochemical evidence of androgen receptor expression. The lesions were evaluated for location and pattern of immunos taining, and these findings were compared between age groups, sexes, and to androgen receptor expression in normal skin. Androgen receptor positivity was seen in the sebaceous glands, in ecrrine glands with and without apocri ne change, and rarely in keratinocytes in the sebaceous nevi. There were no significant differences in staining location or pattern between the age gr oups or sexes. Normal skin showed similar staining in the sebaceous glands but did not show staining of the eccrine glands or keratinocytes. Androgen receptors are present in all epithelial components of NSJ, but there is no change in androgen receptor expression during puberty.