Induced “Shedding” of the Epidermal Langerhans's Cells

Abstract

THE epidermis of the guinea-pig contains a constant number of Langerhans's cells¹ (Fig. IA). These dendritic ceils differ from melanocytes both histochemically² and ultrastructurally³, as well as in their responses to melanogenic stimuli⁴. There is strong evidence to indicate that they represent a unique and independent cell population, although the problem of their nature, function and origin is not as yet settled. Any experimental approach that selectively and reproducibly induces major changes in the Langerhans's cell population probably would supply some data on these unsolved problems.