title: [The dermo-epidermal juncture. Recent aspects of pathophysiology].
abstract: The dermo-epidermal junction anchors the epidermis with the dermis but separates simultaneously these two layers. The complex structure of this zone is important for the coherence of the skin and for resistance against shearing forces. Abnormalities of the zone that result form e.g. binding of immune deposits or genetic defects, can lead to dermo-epidermal splitting and blister formation. Recent morphologic, biochemical and molecular biological investigations have generated new information that allows faster and easier diagnosis of bullous diseases. Investigations of patients with hereditary blistering disorders have revealed some of the mechanisms that underlie the different forms of epidermolysis bullosa.
authors.affiliation: Dermatologische Klinik Zürich.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bruckner-Tuderman
mesh_terms: D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000503:physiopathology; D004820:Epidermolysis Bullosa / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology; D012872:Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*