[Lectin histochemistry in psoriasis, lichen planus and keratosis seborrheica]

Using 14 different biotinyl lectins and avidin horseradish peroxidase, we studied the lectin binding patterns in the epidermis of the lesions in 37 cases of psoriasis, 9 cases of lichen planus and 18 cases of keratosis seborrheica. In comparison with normal human skin, epidermal lectin binding patterns in these diseases showed considerable qualitative and quantitative abnormalities, among which some were characteristic. These findings revealed significant changes in keratinocytic glycoconjugates in these diseases, providing clues to their pathogeneses. The detected changes suggest that the maturation pathway of the keratinocytes in psoriasis differs qualitatively from the normal cases and is not merely a result of rapid transit of the cells.