[The dermoepidermal junction in skin diseases].

Dermatological conditions characterized by dermo-epidermal separation, basal lamina discontinuity, multiplication, and thickness variability, and/or irregularity of the subepidermal space are discribed. Pathological changes of the dermo-epidermal junction are considered to be destructive or reproductive. Both may appear in combination. Destructive processes may be relfected by dermo-epidermal separation. Epidermal cells and/or dermal connective tissue appear degenerated. Thickening of the lamina may occur by reactive hyperproduction or by precipitation of pathological materials. Reproductive processes of the junction originate in the epidermal cells and are reflected in multilayering of the basal lamina. Interruption of the lamina and irregularity of the subepidermal space often precede these phenomena.