Electron microscopic study of desmosomes and tonofilaments in Lichen planus

ABSTRACT

Lichen planus [L.P] is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of the skin and mucous membrane. Desmosomes are responsible for the adhesion of keratinocytes. Tonofilaments are one of the major cytoskeleton structure in mammalian epidermis. Six patients complained from Lichen planus are included in this study for the study of ultrastructure of both desmosomes and tonofilaments. Revealed an increase in the size and numbers of both of them which can be explained as a one of the defensive mechanism of the cells against frequent rubbing which accompanied L.P. which is considered as a resistance mechanism of keratinocytes