LANGERHANS CELLS IN THE NORMAL CONJUNCTIVA AND PERIPHERAL CORNEA OF SELECTED SPECIES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 21  (5) , 759-765
Abstract
The distribution of Langerhans cells (LC) in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial sheets was investigated by histochemical, immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopic methods. The LC stained positive with ATPase and with antibodies to HLA-DR antigen and were negative to dopa-oxidase. Human conjunctiva showed 250-300 LC/mm2 compared to 15 to 20/mm2 in the peripheral 3rd of the corneal epithelium; approximately similar numbers of LC were present in the Lewis rat, fewer cells in guinea pigs and mice, and no detectable cells in the chick.