Fig. 3

Histopathology of canine vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus. a: cell-rich, lymphocytic interface dermatitis is present. Marked basal keratinocyte apoptosis has caused a secondary cleft (vesiculation) through the epidermal basal cell layer, which is typical of the disease. 100X (b): inset box from image “a”, lymphocytes infiltrate the basal layer and are associated with basal cell vacuolation, apoptosis, loss and disorganization at the cleft margin. 200X (c): dermal lymphocytic inflammation can be mild, lacking a clear subepidermal band-like (lichenoid) pattern, but lymphocytes are still observed in the basal epidermal layer in association with basal cell loss. 200X (d): chronic lesions can develop epidermal hyperplasia, a prominent dermal infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells and thickening of the basement membrane zone. 200X