Histochemical Study of Bullous Dermatoses

II. Leucine Aminopeptidase

Abstract

1. Fifty-three biopsy specimens removed from 41 persons, including 15 persons of health, were examined histochemically for leucine aminopeptidase with the method of NACHLAS et al.
2. In the normal human skin, leucine aminopeptidase activity was found in the entire epidermal layer with the exception of the stratum corneum, in the secretory coils and the straight part of the eccrine sweat gland, in the secretory portion of the apocrine gland and in the peripheral cells of the sebaceous gland. In the hair follicle, both the cells of the outer root sheath and the dermal papilla showed a intense activity.
3. In pemphigus vulgaris, the bulla floor and the roof and the acantholytic cells had an intense activity.
4. In dermatitis herpetiformis DUHRING, the urticate erythematous area showed an intense activity in the lower epidermal layers.
5. In erythema exudativum multiforme, the lower layers of the epidermis had an intense activity.
6. In the spongiotic area of eczema acutum, there was an intense activity irrespective of the location of spongiosis.