[Ultrastructure of colloid bodies in oral lichen planus].

Ultrastructure of 20 cases oral lichen planus was observed. Colloid bodies were found in 4 cases. Morphologically, the colloid bodies could be divided into four types: Mass-filament shape: compound type of mass-filament shape and filament shape of low electronic density; filament shape of low electronic density and filament shape of high electronic density. Among them, the compound type was not reported until this study. Owing to discovery of the compound colloid body, the fact that there is an intermediate stage in the course of formation of the colloid body was more correctly known by the authors. And a model figure which expressed the course of formation of colloid bodies was drawn up. The authors have imagined the nature of colloid body is degeneration of epithelial cells. The result of degeneration is death of the cells.