An Electron Microscopical Study of the Skin in 18 Cases of Xeroderma pigmentosum

Abstract

The skin of 18 cases of xeroderma pigmentosum was examined electronmicroscopically. In all cases, the melanocytes were abnormal. They showed extensive melanosome polymorphism, the formation of large autophagic vacuoles; in eight cases, giant pigment granules of a unique character were present. There was passage of premelanosomes and giant pigment granules to keratinocytes. In a depigmented lesion, Langerhans’ cells were seen to be situated in the position normally occupied by melanocytes. Langerhans’ cells were also seen bearing large quantities of melanin.