Direct and indirect immunofluorescence

An Bras Dermatol. 2010 Jul-Aug;85(4):490-500. doi: 10.1590/s0365-05962010000400010.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Immunofluorescence is a valuable auxiliary diagnostic tool for autoimmune bullous diseases and inflammatory disorders, since their clinical and histopathologic findings may be inconclusive. It is a feasible laboratory method that requires experienced technicians and detects in situ and circulating immune deposits that may be involved in the pathogenesis of such skin diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Basement Membrane / chemistry*
  • Biopsy
  • Complement C3 / analysis
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis
  • Lichen Planus / diagnosis
  • Lichen Planus / pathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / pathology
  • Pemphigus / diagnosis
  • Pemphigus / pathology
  • Porphyrias / diagnosis
  • Porphyrias / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis / pathology

Substances

  • Complement C3
  • Immunoglobulins