Value of immunofluorescent techniques in studies of bullous disease

The findings from immunofluorescent techniques have made a profound contribution to our knowledge of bullous diseases. The techniques, once considered investigational, are now routinely employed in dermatologic diagnostic tests. Direct immunofluorescent methods applied to specimens of perilesional skin are extremely reliable to demonstrate characteristic deposition of various immunoreactants in pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, and dermatitis herpetiformis. Autoantibodies in serum revealed by indirect immunofluorescent techniques, are demonstrable in most cases of pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid. The disappearance of these antibodies from the skin and serum of patients so afflicted appears to herald remission of their diseases. Thus, detection of these antibodies may be employed to regulate therapy for maximum effect.