[Formation of Langerhans granules seems linked to membrane ATPase activity of epidermal Langerhans cells]

Abstract

The epidermis contains a population of dendritic cells, Langerhans cells (LC), derived from cells originating from bone marrow, bearing receptors for the Fc fragment of IgG and for the C3 fraction of complement and expressing at their surface Ia antigens of the major histocompatibility system. These cells with multiple immunological functions are capable of presenting antigens to immunocompetent cells. The labeling of LC through revelation of their membranous ATPase activity constitutes one of the best available techniques for their visualization. Moreover, the presence of this ATPase activity appears to be a prerequisite for the induction of contact sensitivity, since in the absence of such activity, the epicutaneous application of a hapten induces a state of immunological tolerance. Applying, at a sensitizing dose, 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) on an untreated guinea-pig skin surface results in a momentary drop in the number of ATPase positive LC in the application zone. Using an improved technique for ATPase labeling (Hanau et coll. submitted for publication, 1985)--which allows one to extend the study from optical to electron microscopy--we observed by electron microscopy the formation, within the LC, of numerous Langerhans granules, concurrent with the loss of ATPase membranous activity. These granules, first described by Birbeck et coll. and specific to LC in the epidermis, have a complex structure. On a section, they may display either a linear aspect (rod-like)--with sometimes a vesicular portion at one extremity (racket-like)--or a circular shape. Whatever their shape, they always show a central striation, which gives them a zipper-like appearance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)