The inflammatory infiltrate in lichen planus lesions. An autoradiographic and ultrastructural study.

The labeling index of the infiltrate of oral lichen planus lesions was significantly greater than that of normal mucosa, and its labeling activity redistributed, as determined by in vitro autoradiography. An electron microscopic examination of the infiltrate of lichen planus lesions of oral mucosa and skin supported the concept that the lichen planus infiltrate represents a cell mediated immune response in which T lymphocytes and macrophages are predominant.