Ultrastructural Study of Langerhans Cells in Equine Insect Hypersensitivity “Kasen”

Abstract

Ultrastructural features of Langerhans cells(LCs)of equine “Kasen” were studied.Electron microscopic observation revealed that LCs were dendritic and had irregular nuclear membranes.A number of Birbeck granules(Bgs)of various types were observed in the cytoplasm of LCs.In LCs in the upper stratum spinous, many Bgs were observed(Type 2 LC).LCs in the epidermo−dermal junction(EDJ)had a few Bgs, vesicles(multivesicular bodies)and highly electron−dense granular endosomes in the cytoplasm(Type 3 LC).Inactive LCs were also observed between the keratinocytes(Type 1 LC).Various types of LCs observed in the skin lesions of equine “Kasen” were interpreted as representing those that recognize, intake and process antigens.