RESULTS

The four biopsy specimens studied showed varying stages of acantholytie blister formation typical of pemphigus vulgaris. The epithelial changes were similar in all cases, but not identical.

Generally, the dermis showed no consistent alteration, one case showed a mild mononuclear cell infiltrate while a second case had a fair number of neutrophils in the dermis. Below the blisters the dermal collagen was somewhat separated as though the fluid content of the area was increased. The blood vessels and collagen were normally disposed in all cases. The basement membrane was intact and was normal in appearance in all areas whether the epithelial cells were detached or not. Figure 1 depicts a normal area from one of the blocks of the acute fulminating case of pemphigus vulgaris. Dermal collagen, fibroblasts and the basement membrane are clearly visible. The basal cells are all closely applied to the basement membrane by numerous desmosomes. The lateral margins of the basal