Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies on the action of glucocorticoids on epidermal Langerhans cells (ELC) of murine skin.
We studied the influence of the glucocorticosteroids dexamethasone and prednisolone on epidermal Langerhans cells (ELC) in the ear skin of BALB/c mice. ELC were detected by HLA II-antigen-expression and ATPase staining. The number of ELC was counted by normal light and immunofluorescence microscopy. Both, dexamethasone and prednisolone decreased the number of ELC and the intensity of the reaction for HLA II and ATPase significantly. In the electron microscope, ELC were identified by their light cytoplasm, the lobulated nucleus and typical Birbeck Granula (BG). After systemic application of dexamethasone or prednisolone the ultrastructure was changed with respect to a loss of typical BG and occurrence of numerous small vacuoles without electron dense content instead of BG.
Bernateck
M
M
Department of Dermatology, University of Rostock, Germany.
Jonas
L
L
Diezel
W
W
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone; D011239:Prednisolone