Visualization of the Langerhans cells in the human vaginal epithelium by the L-dopa histofluorescence method.
In this study we used the technique of L-DOPA histofluorescence for visualizing Langerhans cells in the human vaginal epithelium. Biopsy specimens were incubated with L-DOPA and sectioned by cryostat. The sections were exposed to formaldehyde vapour; during this passage, chemical conversion of L-DOPA into a strongly fluorescent compound occurred. Langerhans cells were clearly visualized in the vaginal epithelium; cell bodies and dendritic processes fluoresced sharply. The method is rapid and specific: it represents an useful tool for demonstrating Langerhans cells in the stratified squamous epithelium of vagina.
E
E
Crivellato
V
V
Grill
M
M
Scamperle
M
M
Basa
F
F
Mallardi
D000328:Adult; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D007980:Levodopa; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology*
D007980:Levodopa