A comparison of the dermal lymphoid infiltrates in discoid lupus erythematosus and Jessner's lymphocytic infiltrate of the skin using the monoclonal antibody Leu 8.

Jessners lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (14 cases) and discoid lupus erythematosus (13 cases) were studied and the lymphoid infiltrates in the dermis were compared in the two conditions, using a standard immunoperoxidase technique. Mouse monoclonal antibodies were used to identify T helper lymphocytes, T suppressor lymphocytes and, using the antibody Leu 8, "immunoregulatory lymphocytes". It was shown that the proportions of Leu 8 positive cells was significantly different in the two conditions. The average percentage of Leu 8 positive lymphocytes in the dermal infiltrate found in the cases of Jessner's was 65% (range 40-80%) whereas the average percentage in the cases of discoid LE was 15% (range 2-30%). This observation is further evidence that Jessner's lymphocytic infiltration and chronic discoid lupus erythematosus should be regarded as separate entities.