Abstract
Gingival tissues obtained from two cases of chronic desquamative gingivitis were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
In case 1 (38 year-old female), SEM revealed peculiar surface characteristics such as flattened, multi-pitted string-like processus appearances. On TEM, there was a thin electron dense band of 3 to 4 μm in width below the outer cell layers pressumed to be prickled cells. This electron dense band was composed of excessive compression of 6 to 7 cell layers. Adittional changes of whorling arrangements of the epithelial cells and occasional multiplications of basal lamina were found near the subepithelial inflammatory regions.
In case 2 (53 year-old female), SEM revealed rather regular arrangements of microridge resembled usual surface than unusual. On TEM, there was also a thin electron dense band of about 10μm in width adjacent to the surface areas, and this band was made of moderate compression of cell layers. This band, however, was different to that of case 1, in respect of the degree of compression and characteristics of the outer cells.
