Intracytoplasmic desmosomes in malignant keratinocytes of laryngeal carcinoma

Summary In this communication the presence and ultrastructural morphology of intracytoplasmic desmosomes is demonstrated in laryngeal carcinoma. The intracytoplasmic desmosomes observed here closely resemble those found in normal epithelia. The intracellular location of the intracytoplasmic desmosomes was demonstrated by the cytoplasmic continuity around one or both ends of the lateral membranes. The removal of desmosomal structures from the cell surface resulting in the formation of intracytoplasmic desmosomes may further contribute to the loss of intercellular contact in carcinoma cells.This work was supported by the Fonds Österreichischer Krebsforschungsinstitute and by the Krebsausschuß der Medizinischen Fakultät der Universität Wien