Langerhans cells in the human oviduct mucosa.
Langerhans cells (LCs) are the predominant antigen-presenting cells in epithelial tissues. They have been known to be present in the vagina and uterine cervix. In the present study, localization of LCs in the oviduct was investigated by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using an anti-CD1a (CD; cluster of differentiation) antibody. Although the cell density was variable, CD1a-positive LCs were detected in the oviduct epithelium. Their occurrence was most common in women at the age of 40 to 59. LCs extended cell processes along the base of the epithelium and were ultrastructurally characterized by rod-shaped Birbeck granules and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. LCs, together with lymphocytes and macrophages, are considered to engage in the mucosal immune system of the oviduct.
Hagiwara
H
H
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gumna University School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
Ohwada
N
N
Aoki
T
T
Fujimoto
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018949:Antigens, CD1 / Q000032:analysis; D002452:Cell Count; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006056:Golgi Apparatus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology*
D018949:Antigens, CD1; C419393:CD1a antigen