The longevity of immunoglobulin preservation in canine skin utilizing Michel's fixative.

ABSTRACT

Skin biopsy specimens from 7 dogs with immune-mediated skin diseases diagnosed by routine histology and 5 dogs with other skin diseases were placed in Michel's transport medium for 4 to 9 years. Direct immunofluorescence yielded positive results in tissue samples from 3 dogs with pemphigus foliaceus and 2 dogs with discoid lupus erythematosus. Direct immunofluorescence was not seen in tissue samples from 1 dog with pemphigus foliaceus and 5 dogs with non immune-mediated skin diseases. Direct immunofluorescence was seen in skin biopsy specimens maintained in Michel's medium for 4 to 8 years.