Loss of Langerhans cells from gingival tissue maintained in organ culture

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Abstract
Changes occurring in a population of Langerhans cells (LC) were investigated using human gingival epithelium maintained in organ culture. The enzyme adenosine 5′‐triphosphatase together with the surface antigens HLA‐DR and T6 were used to identify and quqntitate these cells. An exponential fall in the expression of each of these markers was seen to occur with increasing incubation lime, suggesting that a true loss of these cells is in fact occurring. HLA‐DR antigen is shed from LC at a rate significantly greater than thai al which LC are lost. A mathematical model which simulates the behaviour of LC within organ culture is presented, and several implications and possible explanations proposed.