Ultrastructure of epithelial lining of keratocysts in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome

The ultrastructure of the epithelial lining of 12 odontogenic keratocysts in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome was investigated. The differences in fine structure between normal keratinizing squamous epithelium of skin or mucous membrane and keratocyst epithelium are discussed. It is demonstrated that separation of keratocyst epithelium from the underlying fibrous capsule is due to fragmentation and partial or complete disappearance of collagen in the juxtapithelial connective tissue compartment. Collagenolytic activity is suggested as a probably mechanism for this phenomenon.