CI. HISTOCHEMISTRY OF PEMPHIGUS LESIONS

Abstract

In this investigation, the problem of pemphigus was approached by a study of certain physiochemical and histochemical factors concerned in the production and properties of the characteristic lesion of this disease, a blister.¹Attempts were made to induce formation of artificial blisters in pemphigus skin by injection of fluids under pressure. The cohesive property of unaffected skin from patients with pemphigus was estimated by the use of measured weights, and the proteins of blister fluids were studied polarographically. Finally, the tissue minerals of unaffected pemphigus skin and of lesions were investigated by microincineration and spectrographic analysis. Cantharides blisters and areas showing Nikolsky's sign were also studied histochemically. Thus, an attempt was made to correlate various factors in the developmental stages of blister formation. The clinical picture of pemphigus is striking, being characterized by insidious or rapid onset, usually in an adult, of bullous or vesicobullous formations on the skin