THE DERMO-EPIDERMAL INTERFACE IN LICHEN-PLANUS END LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

The pathogenesis of lichen planus (LP) and cutaneous lupus erythematos us (LE) was investigated by Immunohistochemical staining of skin biops ies from eight patients with these conditions compared with controls. Monoclonal antibodies were directed against antigens of the various co mponents of the basement membrane zone. We found a differential site s pecific response by these components to the inflammatory process. The structural collagens In the basal lamina underwent a primarily reparat ive response demonstrated by thickening and reduplication, whilst an e pidermal, hemidesmosome-associated antigen was consistently disrupted and fragmented. Despite diverse clinical features there were similarit ies between these two diseases suggesting some common pathogenic mecha nisms.