Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) are present in the epithelial structures of the oral mucosa and the skin epidermis and are stellate-shaped dendritic cells. LCs are known to participate in the antigen -presenting function to T lymphocytes and to pos -sess Ia antigen, Fc-IgG and C3 receptors.
The present study was designed to histochemically evaluate the response of the LCs of the hamster cheek pouch to application of an allergen (DNFB) and the injection of cortisone (prednisolone: PSL) and sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone). Two experiments were performed . The 1st experiment was conducted on 3 groups of animals: 1) male hamsters whose cheek pouches were treated with DNFB 3 times, 2) hamsters injected with PSL 3 times (i. p.) before application of DNFB 3 times, and 3) hamsters injected with PSL whose cheek pouches were simultaneously treated with DNFB 3 times. The hamsters in these three groups were sacrificed 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after the final treatment. The 2nd experiment was also conducted on 3 groups of male and female hamsters. Individual groups were injected with testosterone, estradiol and progesterone 5 times every other day. The animals in the 2nd group were sacrificed one day after final treatment. The hamster cheek pouches of all of the groups were treated with EDTA to produce an epithelial sheet for staining with ATPase and vimentin.
The number of LCs in the hamster cheek pouch mucosa were higher in allergen-treated animals suggesting enhanced antigen-presenting function. The number of LCs was markedly decreased after PSL injection with combined application of DNFB, and the LCs were round with no dendritic processes. The preinjection of animals with PSL inhibits inflammatory states after allergen applications. No sex differences and no effects of sex hormone injection were detected with respect to the number or shape of LCs.
