Cytological and Functional Differences between Birbeck Granule-containing Cells (Langerhans Cells) and Dermal Macrophages in the Mouse

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Abstract
Cytological features and phagocytic abilities of Birbeck granule-containing cells and dermal macrophages were studied in the mouse cheek skin, to make a cytological-functional distinction between the two cells. The former contained Birbeck granules and cored tubules, whereas the latter contained no Birbeck granules and rarely cored tubules, but many coated vesicles and transfer tubules. The lysosomes of the former showed acid phosphatase activity but no detectable peroxidase activity, while those of the latter showed both activities. The latter actively phagocytized exogenous ferritin particles and chicken erythrocytes, whereas the former took almost no part in phagocytizing these foreign substances. These results indicate that Birbeck granule-containing cells (Langerhans cells) are morphologically distinct from dermal macrophages and their immunologic functions are not associated with marked phagocytic abilities.