[Disorder of the microfolds and tonofibrils in cervical leukoplakia]

The ultrastructure of superficial cells of the normal human cervical squamous epithelium and that in leukoplakia was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The characteristic appearance of normal cells is described. Changes in the concentration of tonofilaments and formation of keratohyalin granules were revealed in leukoplakia. Alterations in surface microridges were also observed. The latter phenomenon is closely related to a decrease in the number of tonofilaments at the cell periphery. It is possible that the altered microridges do not retain the cushioning protective mucin and maintain the stationary of progressive states of leukoplakia.