Morphological and Immunological Studies on Pustulosis Palmaris Et Plantaris, Especially on its Focal Infection Theory

Abstract

The deposition of immunoglobulins and complement was examined in skin lesions of pustulosis palmaxis et plantaris by applying a direct-immunofluorescence technique. Linear deposition of IgG and C₃ was demonstrated in the horny layer in 5 cases out of 10. The antikeratinlayer antibody was measured using the sera of patients with PPP, and elevated levels were recorded in patients with a maximum ratio of 1:80. Light and electron-microscopical examinations revealed a structure similar to the epidermal keratin layer of the tonsillar epidermis and phagocytosis-of the structure by macrophages. This is an interesting finding in view of the antigen of the epidermal keratin layer.