In guinea-pig infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Langerhans cells in the foot pads increase in number and show viral antigens 24 hours post-inoculation, preceding appearance of virus in epithelial cells and vesiculation. This observation suggests that Langerhans cells may be engaged in virus transport from the blood to the non vascularized epidermis.

The number and shape of Langerhans’ cells (LC) were studied by determining cytoplasmic formaldehyde-resistant ATPase activity in whole mounts of normal and meta-plastic human cervical epithelium. In normal epithelium the number of LC per square millimeter was 52.75 ± 2.21. A similar number was found in completely differentiated metaplastic squamous epithelium (49.11 ± 2.42), but their shape was different with less branching processes. When metaplasia was still incomplete, and numerous mucous cells remained, no LC were present. On the basis of these results it is speculated that mucous cells provide a negative chemotactic stimulus which prevents migration of LC into metaplastic epithelium. When the latter is completely squamous it is repopulated by LC in a fashion similar to normal squamous epithelium.

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AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women in the western world. Due to the aggressive behaviour of some specific types and the possibility of an early diagnosis, breast cancer has been constantly studied. Tumour size, histological type, cellular and nuclear characteristics, mitotic index, vascular invasion, hormonal receptors and axillary lymph node status are biomarkers routinely used. However, these parameters are not enough to predict the course of this disease. Molecular biology advances have made it possible to find new markers, which have already been incorporated to the clinical practice. Their ultimate goal is to reduce mortality by identifying women at risk for the development of this disease, help diagnosis, determine prognosis, detect recurrences, monitor and guide treatment, and in particular cancers they are suited for general screening. Tumour markers in breast cancer were ranked in categories reflecting their clinical utility, according to the American College of Pathologists.This article focuses on traditional and new molecular markers stratifying them into categories and emphasizing their relevance in the routine evaluation of patients with breast cancer.