[The neural periphery in lichen planus lesions (author's transl)]

In 12 patients suffering from generalized Lichen planus (L.p.) the neural periphery of lesions was studied by modern histochemical and electron microscopical methods. In contrast to the investigations published until now on this subject no signs of neural hyperplasia in L.p. could be found. Only some nerves localized in the Lichen planus infiltrate exhibited morphological changes indicating increased neural de- and regeneration in this region. According to the results obtained the nerve changes in L.p. are caused by the typical inflammatory reaction found in this dermatosis. Therefore the neural theory of L.p. cannot be sustained on a histological basis.