LICHEN-PLANUS PEMPHIGOIDES - IDENTIFICATION OF 180-KD HEMIDESMOSOME ANTIGEN

We describe a man with lichen planus pemphigoides. Direct immunofluore scence studies of peribullous skin showed linear deposition of IgG and C3 in the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence studies disclosed circulating anti-basement membrane zone antibodies. Immunoe lectron microscopy demonstrated binding of antibodies to the hemidesmo somes and lamina lucida. The patient's serum defined only the minor bu llous pemphigoid antigen with a molecular weight of 180 kd. These find ings suggest the coexistence of lichen planus and bullous pemphigoid i n lichen planus pemphigoides.