Sulphhydryl and disulphide stainings of subepidermal hyaline bodies

The localization of sulphhydryl (-SH) groups and disulphide (-S-S-) bonds in subepidermal hyaline bodies was examined using histochemical techniques with the specific fluorescent thiol reagent (DACM). In lichen planus, hyaline bodies showed -S-S- but not -SH staining, suggesting that erythematosus and dermatomyositis, there were not only -S-S-positive hyaline bodies, considered of epidermal origin, but also -S-S- negative ones. The latter may consist of dermal components, since no dermal components are stainable with DACM. DACM staining therefore seems to be of help in determining the origin of hyaline bodies.