The ATPase‐staining of Langerhans Cells in Previously Stored Skin Tissues

Abstract

The ATPase-staining of Langerhans cells is usually done on fresh, unfixed biopsy specimens. In the present study, we attempted to stain these cells in previously stored tissues of guinea pig skin. The ATPase activity disappeared after freezing or preservation in formalin or ethanol. In contrast, tissue specimens which had been stored in physiological saline at 4 degrees C stained as well as fresh cells even after 14 days.