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ePaper created 2014-09-15, 12:31:02 | version 1.32.01
Research The early years Compared to other Dutch universities the history of dermatological research at VU University is relatively young. Research was introduced to the department by Godze Kalsbeek, when he joined the medical staff in 1965. Kalsbeek started a research line on immunofluorescence in viral skin disorders, in particular molluscum contagiosum. Other research subjects at that time were more clinically orientated, including studies on the immunopathogenesis of perioral dermatitis and bacterial coloni- zation of venous leg ulcers. In 1967 biochemist Dick M. Boorsma was the first pre-clinician to join the department. He and Kalsbeek worked together on the research projects and further substantiated the laboratory for experimental dermatology. In 1970 enzyme-immunohistochemical staining (using horseradish-peroxydase conjugated antibodies) was introduced as an alternative to immuofluorescence, and in the following years this method was applied to studies on molluscum contagiosum, lupus erythematosus and bullous pemphigoid.[1,2] Other research activities included analysis of acid mucopolysaccharides in the skin and interaction between the lectin concanavalin A and stratified squamous epithelium.[3,4] Johan Vreeswijk joined the laboratory as second biochemist in 1973, followed by Peter de Haan, who started as a biochemist-in-training the next year. De Haan performed basic research on ELISA techniques and penicillin allergy, and succeeded Vreeswijk in 1981. During the 1970s dermatologists Woerdeman and Nieboer had begun to participate in research activities, which included ultrastructural studies of molluscum contagiosum and bullous disorders.[5-9] References 1. Boorsma DM, Nieboer C, Kalsbeek GL. Cutaneous immunohistochemistry. The direct immunoperioxidase and immunoglobulin-enzyme bridge methods compared with the immunofluorescence method in dermatology. J Cutan Pathol 1975; 2: 294-301. 2. Boorsma DM, Kalsbeek GL. A comparative study of horseradish peroxidase conjugates prepared with a one-step and a two-step method. J Histochem Cytochem 1975; 23: 200-7. 3. Lis JM van, Kruiswijk T, Mager WH, et al. Glycosaminoglycans in human skin. Br J Dermatol 1973; 88: 355-61. 120 Tricholemmomas in Cowden's syndrome. BWEADVSMGFINCORR:Opmaak 1 21-07-2014 17:40 Pagina 120