[Structure of the dermo-epidemic junction]

Abstract

The basement membranes are extracellular proteic matrixes involved mainly in cell-substrate interactions. The dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) is defined as the region formed by the dermal pole of the basal cell layer, the intercellular spaces, the lamina densa or basal lamina and the acellular fibrous components of the papillary dermis. The functions of the DEJ are to bind the epithelia to the connective tissue, and to preserve the viability of the epidermis by means of connecting it to the dermis. which is in charge of providing the necessary nutrients for its normal proliferation. The purpose of the present communication is to provide a concise review of the recent knowledges about the ultrastructure of the DEJ, with special emphasis on its antigenic components.