Pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris in dog and man - a review

Pemphigus vulgaris is a vesiculobullous disorder that predominantly involves the oral mucous membrane of the canine and human patients. The oral lesions are usually painful erosions and ulcers. This predilection for mucous membrane may reflect the smaller number of desmosomes in the oral epithelium as compared with the epidermis. The discovery of autoantibodies against the intercellular substance of stratified epithelium in patients with pemphigus vulgaris suggests that this disease represents an autoimmune disease. The exact role of these autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris is not clearly understood. The diagnosis is usually based on the presence of the characteristic flaccid bullae and erosions. Biopsy specimen taken from the edge of a fresh blister and adjacent epithelial layers is suitable for routine microscopic examination and direct immunofluorescence study. Combination of corticosteroids and immunosuppresive agents are used for treatment of this disease.