[Direct immunofluorescence in cutaneous lupus erythematosus].

A study of the Direct Immunofluorescence Method in skin biopsies of 62 patients with discoid lupus erythematosus is presented. All the specimens were examined to determine the presence of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) and complement (C3) on the different histological structures of the skin. The presence of immunoglobulins and complement was detected not only in the basement membrane of the lesion but also on the hyaline bodies, collagen fibres, dermal capillaries, basal membrane of hair follicles, dermal inflammatory cells, sweat glands and arrector pili muscles. The significance of these findings is discussed.