Intracytoplasmic inclusions in dermal infiltrating cells of hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans

Lamellar bodies in hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans

An ultrastructural study of lesional skin from 4 subjects with hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (Flegel's disease) demonstrated variable numbers of lamellar bodies of normal size and architecture within cells of the stratum granulosum and the upper stratum spinosum. Their characteristic lamellate inclusions were frequently observed within the intercellular spaces. These observations suggest that the lamellar bodies are qualitatively normal in Flegel's disease.

Langerhans cells in the dermal infiltrate of hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans

Typical papules obtained from a patient with hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (HLP) were examined by light and electron microscopy. Dense cellular infiltrate, which consisted mainly of mononuclear cells, was observed in the dermis underlying the lesion. Electron microscopic studies revealed that these cells were mostly lymphocytic cells. In addition, several Langerhans cells were found in the infiltrate, some of which were apposed to the lymphocytic cells. These findings suggested that immunologic reactions via Langerhans cells might occur in HLP and further raises a possibility that Langerhans cells might be involved in the pathogenesis of HLP.