Quantitative analysis of Langerhans' cells in epidermis at irritant contact reactions using confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used for quantitative analysis of CD1a+ cells in epidermis at irritant reactions. Sodium lauryl sulphate (2% and 4%) or non-anoic acid (20% and 80%) were applied to the skin of healthy volunteers under occlusion for 24 h. Skin biopsy specimens were taken after additional 24 h and were snap frozen. Freeze-sections, 25 microns thick, were stained with anti-CD1a antibodies (Leu-6) followed by FITC-labelled rabbit anti-mouse IgG. The sections were viewed and optically sectioned in the CLSM at four depth levels. The data was analysed using a threshold value for the fluorescence. The obtained result is presented as the proportion of specimen area having a fluorescence intensity above the threshold. The result demonstrates that the CLSM is a useful tool for obtaining not only structural information but also quantitative information from a defined tissue volume. In the present investigation it was possible to demonstrate variations in CD1a+ reactivity in epidermis at detergent-induced irritant reactions with a marked decrease in CD1a+ after 80% non-anoic acid exposure and only minor differences in the CD1a+ after 2% and 4% sodium lauryl sulphate exposure.
Department of Clinical Immunology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
A
A
Scheynius
M
M
Dalenbring
K
K
Carlsson
R
R
England
M
M
Lindberg
D002452:Cell Count; D017453:Dermatitis, Irritant / Q000473:pathology*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells; D007834:Lasers; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods