Graft-vs-host reaction in skin: histological immunological and ultrastructural studies

Abstract

A case of graft-vs-host reaction after bone marrow transplantation is described. Histopathologic and ultrastructural findings in involved skin showed necrotic keratinocytes and abnormal melanocytes with satellite lymphocytes. No deposits of immunoglobulins or complement were found. These data provide direct evidence that chronic graft-vs-host disease in humans may be related to cellular hypersensitivity rather than to serum factors.