Immunofluorescence studies on civatte bodies and dyskeratotic cells with anti-keratin antibody.

So-called Civatte bodies and dyskeratotic cells were investigated in some skin disorders by using indirect immunofluorescence techniques with anti-human keratin antibody. In the disorders with lichenoid tissue reaction such as lichen planus and DLE, Civatte bodies were observed in the lower epidermis and upper dermis and they reacted distinctly to the anti-keratin antibody. In malignant skin tumors which show dyskeratotic cells in the epidermis, such as basal cell epithelioma and Bowen's disease, dyskeratotic cells were more clearly reacted to the antibody than other keratinocytes. These observations present additional new evidence for the hypothesis that Civatte bodies are derived from tonofilaments of keratinocytes.