Optimal conditions of 1 M NaCl splitting technique to demonstrate basement membrane zone antigens in bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and linear IgA bullous dermatoses.

We compare a series of conditions for inducing lamina lucida separation through normal skin specimens using 1 M NaCl for the detection of basement membrane zone auto-antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence. Skin was split at room temperature and at 4 degrees C with and without phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride. Our results demonstrate that for the detection of bullous pemphigoid and epidermal-binding linear IgA bullous dermatoses antibodies skin should be split at 4 degrees C with enzyme inhibitors. For epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and dermal-binding antibodies skin can be split at room temperature.