The Ki-67 protein is expressed in the nucleus and is a marker for cell proliferation. Increased number of Ki-67 positive cells in epidermis indicates increased epidermal hyperplasia, a characteristic which is associated with various inflammatory skin diseases as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, see [1].
This protocol can be used to assess the number of Ki-67 positive cells in epidermis. The protocol provides the number and area of Ki-67 positive cells within the epidermis region, as well as for the entire tissue section. Manual assessment of the outlined epidermis region can be necessary.