DNA synthesis in Langerhans' cells of mouse ear epithelium revealed by tritiated thymidine autoradiography and histochemical staining for non-specific esterase and beta-glucuronidase activity.
The proportion of Langerhans' cells in DNA synthesis in normal mouse skin was assessed by combining tritiated thymidine [3H]TdR autoradiography with enzyme histochemistry. After injection of [3H]TdR, ear skin was treated in two ways. Epithelial sheet preparations were stained for the presence of non-specific esterase and cytospin preparations of epithelial cell suspensions were stained for beta-glucuronidase activity. The labelling index (+/- SE mean) for cytospins, 40 min after injecting [3H]TdR, was 1.6 +/- 0.15%, doubling to 3-4% from 7-17 days after injection. The sheet preparations showed the proportion of label attributable to paired Langerhans' cells rising from 18% at 40 min after injection, to approximately 45%, on days 1-4 after injection. These results suggest that the proliferation of Langerhans' cells in normal mouse skin might be higher than was previously thought to be the case.
Hume
W J
WJ
Department of Dental Surgery, Leeds University School of Dentistry, U.K.
Moore
J K
JK
D000818:Animals; D001345:Autoradiography; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004423:Ear; D004950:Esterases / Q000378:metabolism; D005966:Glucuronidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013936:Thymidine
D004247:DNA; D004950:Esterases; D005966:Glucuronidase; D013936:Thymidine