The immunofluorescent techniques have contributed significantly in the diagnosis, therapy and understanding of the pathogenesis of the bullous diseases the last years. There are three basic types of immunofluorescence-combined where necessary with split-skin technique-used in dermatology: direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence and complement indirect immunofluorescence. The direct immunofluorescence detects the deposition of immunoglobulin, complement and fibrin in the skin in a biopsy specimen. The biopsy site should be considered carefully, as an improper sampling site produces misleading results. It is especially important that the dermatologist and the pathologist coordinate their efforts to ensure optimal results. The indirect immunofluorescence detects the circulating antibodies to intercellular substance and basement membrane zone, as occur in pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid, respectively. The examiner identifies the immunoglobulin class or subclass, the site of deposition and the title. The circulating antibodies are mainly IgG class. The complement indirect technique makes use of the principle that two IgG antibodies bound to antigen can generate many molecules of C3. The complement indirect technique enhances the sensitivity of the indirect immunofluorescent. This technique also detects in serum or other tissues-fluids antibodies that fix complement. The technique mainly applies for the diagnosis of the pemphigoid gestations. The split-skin technique separates the skin at the epidermal-dermal junction. The technique contributes in distinction to: whether the immunoreactants are deposited to the epidermal side or the dermal side of the cleavage. This distinction has offered significantly in the differential diagnosis for diseases as epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and bullous pemphigoid. The methology of the immunofluorescent techniques is described, as applied in the bullous diseases of the skin.

Key words: Ιmmunofluorescence, bullous diseases.

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