DISTRIBUTION OF CELL-SURFACE ANTIGENS IN HISTIOCYTOSIS-X CELLS - QUANTITATIVE IMMUNOELECTRON MICROSCOPY USING MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (1) , 90-97
Abstract
Cells comprising the cutaneous infiltrates of [human] histiocytes X (HXC), like Langerhans cells (LC), react with monoclonal anti-T6 antibody. HXC also react with anti-T4/4b and anti-Ia-like antibodies. To further define the patterns of antibody reactivity in HXC, immunoelectron microscopy was performed on 2 clear-cut cases of histiocytosis X using the immunoperoxidase technique. The reaction production of diaminobenzidine, indicating anti-T6 antibody reactivity, was easily detected along cell membranes of HXC and at sites of possible endocytosis. Anti-T4/4b and anti-Ia antibodies had less cell membrane reactivity. Computerized image analysis aided in discriminating the patterns of anti-T6 antibody in HXC and from LC and confirmed that anti-T6 antibody staining was the most intense of the antibodies evaluated. The findings: document antigenic similarities and differences between HXC and LC on an ultrastructural level; add support to the concept HXC are abnormal proliferations of LC; and demonstrate the association of the cell surface antigen, T6, with apparent endocytotic activity.