[Ultrastructural localisation of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus antigens by indirect immunoelectron microscopy. Apropos of 7 cases].

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are autoimmune blistering diseases characterized by loss of cell-cell adhesion and by autoantibodies directed against epidermal cadherins. The ultrastructural localization of PV antigen remains controversial, whereas the location of PF antigen seems to be established. The use of different techniques could explain these various data.

[Multicenter histiocytosis].

Introduction: Multicentric histiocytosis is a rare systemic disease with active episodes and prolonged periods of remission. Immunosuppressor treatment (alkylating agents) can be effective.

Case Report: A new case of multicentric histiocytosis was observed in a 38-year-old man who was successfully treated with cyclophosphamide at the dose of 100 mg/d.

[Does bullous pemphigoid with negative direct immunofluorescence exist? Apropos of 3 cases].

Subepidermal autoimmune bullous dermatoses are defined by clinical, histological and immunological criteria, notably the presence of anti-basement membrane antibodies detectable in vivo by direct immunofluorescence. We report three cases where anti-basement membrane antibodies were not detectable in vivo by direct immunofluorescence but were detected in high titres by indirect immunofluorescence. This situation is extremely rare in the literature.