Immunofluorescence mapping of antigenic determinants within the dermal-epidermal junction in the mechanobullous diseases
Abstract
The classification of mechanobullous diseases often depends on the electron microscopic distinction of intradermal (dermolytic), junctional and intraepidermal sites of cleavage. Electron microscopy is tedious and time consuming. In this report we describe a different approach to the determination of the cleavage plane by using a method which recognizes subtle differences in the localization of antigenic structures relative to the cleavage plane. Cryostat sections of lesional and extralesional skin of 3 patients with dermolytic epidermolysis bullosa, 3 with epidermolytic epidermolysis bullosa and 8 with junctional epidermolysis bullosa were examined by immunofluorescence, with specific antisera against type IV collagen (localized within the basal lamina); against laminin (noncollagenous protein, localized in the lamina lucida); and with bullous pemphigoid antibodies (directed against the bullous pemphigoid antigen localized in the lamina lucida). All specimens were also examined by electron microscopy. In dermolytic epidermolysis bullosa (where cleft formation occurs intradermally) type IV collagen, laminin and the bullous pemphigoid antigen were consistently found in the roof of the blister, whereas in junctional epidermolysis ...Continue Reading
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Bullous Pemphigoid
Bullous pemphigoid is a rare immune system disorder and skin condition that causes large, fluid-filled blisters. Bullous pemphigoid commonly affects older adults and appears in areas such as the lower abdomen, upper thighs or armpits. Discover the latest research on bullous pemphigoid here.