[Morphologic changes in pachydermias of the larynx treated with an aromatic retinoid (Ro 10-9359) (author's transl)]

After treatment of pachydermias of the larynx with aromatic retinoid (Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland), an increased number of large vacuoles interpreted as cytolysosomes in cells predominantly of the stratum basale and spinosum is found. In the superficial cell layers an enhanced number of necrotic cells can be detected. It is assumed that retinoids lead to a cell damage and a stimulation of the lysosomal system.