Differentiation of Langerhans Cells from Interdigitating Cells Using CD1a and S-100 Protein Antibodies

Abstract

The present study shows that Langerhans cells can be differentiated from interdigitating cells at the light microscopic level. Superficial lymph nodes and skin taken from necropsies and the lymph nodes of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy (DPL) were used for this experiment. Sections of lymph node and skin were embedded using the acetone, methyl benzoate and xylene (AMeX) method and dendritic cells were immunostained with anti S-100 protein antibody (S-100, and OKT-6 (CD1a) using the restaining method. Langerhans cells in the skin were positive for both CD1a and S-100. Dendritic cells positive for both CD1a and S-100, and dendritic cells positive for S-100, but not for CD1a were observed in superficial lymph nodes. In normal superficial lymph nodes, there were more interdigitating cells than Langerhans cells. The majority of the dendritic cells in the DPL were Langerhans cells. We conclude that the S-100 and CD1a positive cells are Langerhans cells, and the S-100 positive-CD1a negative cells are interdigitating cells.

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor: an immunohistochemical case study

“…These findings suggest that these S-100 positive cells are Langerhans cells. The positivity of these cells to CD 1a demonstrated in this study confirms this suggestion as CD 1a is a specific marker for Langerhans cells (Shinzato et al 1995). Asano et al (1990) and Takata et al (1993) have previously described the presence of Langerhans cells in two cases of CEOTs based on immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies.…”

Proteomic Analysis of Pelvic Autonomic Nerve in Nerve-sparing Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Carcinoma

“…S100 proteins are expressed exclusively in vertebrates, and exhibit somewhat cell-specific distribution (13). There are at least 21 different S100 proteins (14)(15)(16)(17).…”

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Dermatopathic Lymphadenitis

“…It is characterized by expansion of the paracortical zone, with increased numbers of histiocytoid den- 8,[14][15][16] The dendritic cells in DL are considered by most authors to be interdigitating reticulum cells and antigen-presenting cells related to, but distinct from, LCs in skin. 8 Our cases demonstrate that DL should always be included in the differential diagnosis when interpreting FNA biopsies of lymph nodes, especially those in the axillary or inguinal region, draining skin areas with a rash.…”