Izlaganje sa skupa
Langerhans' Cells in Dermatology
Jasna Lipozenčić
Suzana Ljubojević
Sažetak
This paper describes our own findings on the role of Langerhans’ cells in dermatology and discusses
literature data on their detection in seven different dermatoses. The skin is an integral part of immune
system. During the past 30 years, increasing evidence has been accumulated that the skin contains cellular
elements which are needed for the initiation and expression of immune response. Langerhans’ cells (LCs)
are dendritic cells originating in the bone marrow. They reside mainly within stratified squamous epithelia
and constitute approximately 2-4 % of epithelial cells. LCs are epidermal antigen presenting cells which play
a crucial role in allergic contact hypersensitivity, viral diseases, graft versus host disease and elimination of
neo-plastic cell clones. They express antigens conjugated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
class II positive molecules on their surfaces for presentation to T-helper lymphocytes. LCs cannot be
identified in routinely prepared histologic testing but can be visualised at the light microscope level by
histochemical and immunologic techniques. Appropriate methods for the detection of Langerhans’ cells in
dermatology (also shown by our own experience) are histoenzymatic methods of adenosintriphosphatase
(ATP-ase), acid phosphatase (AP), alpha-naphthylacetatesterase (ANAE and peroxidase-antiperoxidase
immunohistochemistry method with polyclonal S-100 protein antibody (PAP). LCs are the only cells in
normal skin with ATP-ase activity. Histoenzymatic methods used in patients with atopic dermatitis, vitiligo,
mycosis fungoides, Behcet’s disease, lichen ruber planus, psoriasis vulgaris, irritant dermatitis and allergic
contact dermatitis demonstrated LSs in epidermis and dermis. ANAE and AP showed concordance and were
suitable histochemical markers for LC distribution and macrophages in the dermis in mycosis fungoides,
atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, irritant chronic dermatitis and Bechet’s disease. Our experience of
the human skin showed a strong activity of calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase in LCs. LCs in the
guinea pig skin can be demonstrated by Mg++ and Ca++ activated adenosine triphosphatase, but a stronger
activity of Ca++ activated adenosine triphosphatase in LCs after irritation. Ca++ ATP-ase as an indicator
of energy-dependent pump is the reflection of intracellular calcium level, which is a significant factor for
regulating the growth and metabolism of the cells. LCs are found as target cells during the efferent phase
of contact allergic reaction. Immunohistochemical methods, define the role of LCs in dermatology more
precisely and allow complete immunologic recognition within the epidermis.
Ključne riječi
histochemical methods; lymphoid tissue; macrophages; skin associated
Hrčak ID:
307
URI
Datum izdavanja:
14.6.2004.
Posjeta: 3.629 *