| This is a photomicrograph showing the in vivo immunofluorescent findings in a MMP bulla. The upper part of this photo represents the stratified squamous epithelium on top of the bulla. The lower part represents the bulla cavity. Note the linear, positive, bright-green fluorescence following the location of the epithelial basement membrane. This fluorescence indicates the area to which the autoantibodies are bound. This finding is quite typical of MMP. | |
| Only a few patients with MMP will have circulating autoantibodies generally of the IgG type. This photomicrograph illustrates the results obtained by using the in vitro double layer procedure. Serum from a patient with MMP and containing circulating anti basement membrane autoantibodies was used on oral mucosa of a guinea pig. The mucosal epithelium is seen in the upper part of the photo and the connective tissue in the lower part. A band of green fluorescence is seen at the level of the epithelial basal membrane indicating the area to which the antibodies are bound. This finding is seen, both within the lesions of MMP and in adjacent epithelium. |
|