Langerhans Cells in the Larynx and the Hypopharynx.

Abstract

Summary: Langerhans cells are important in the human immune system as a part of the dendrtic cell system. This study was carried out to demonstrate the presence of Langerhans cells and their distribution in normal human larynx and hypopharynx, by light (S-100 polyclonal antibody) and transmission electron microscopy. The results are summarized as follows: 1) Langerhans cells with cytoplasmic granules (Langerhans granules or Birbeck's granules) were situated in the suprabasal region of the squamous epithelium in the larynx and the hypopharynx. 2) They distributed in the membranous portion of the vocal folds, epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, arytenoid regions and interarytenoid notch of the larynx. The cells surrounded the vestibule and glottis of the larynx. 3) They distributed in the postcricoid area, piriform sinus and posterior pharyngeal wall of the hypopharynx. The cells were situated above the entrance of esophagus. 4) The cells were suggested to be a factor of immune response at the entrance of trachea and esophagus. Key wordsLangerhans cell, immunology of larynx and hypopharynx, histology of larynx and hypopharynx, vocal folds, larynx, hypopharynx

Protective effect of intranasally inoculatedLactobacillus fermentumagainstStreptococcus pneumoniaechallenge on the mouse respiratory tract

“…The presence of Langerhans‐type cells in respiratory tract evidenced in a previous paper [22] and shown by other researchers [34,35].…”

“… An increased lymphocyte population at the tracheal lamina propria level. The presence of Langerhans‐type cells in respiratory tract evidenced in a previous paper [22] and shown by other researchers [34,35]. The increased number of activated macrophages in the alveolar duct after intranasal inoculation of lactobacilli, as evidenced in the cytological studies. …”

Variation in Langerhans cell number and morphology between the upper and lower regions of the human esophageal epithelium

“…Our material was selected from adult men and women, and no differences were detected between the sexes. Sato and Hirano (1997) stated that LCs present in the larynx and hypopharynx may be involved in immune defense at the entrances to the respiratory and digestive tracts, respectively. The fact that LCs found in the distal esophagus are more numerous and larger than those at the proximal location may indicate that their role in this epithelium is more complex than that proposed by these authors.…”

Of skin and bone: did Langerhans cells and osteoclasts evolve from a common ancestor?

“…Indeed, LCs arise only in the epithelium of skin, eye, vagina and the oral surfaces (Young et al. ; Sato & Hirano, ; Hamrah & Dana, ). OCLs on the other hand form in tight association with the osteoblasts, cells of mesenchymal origin and sources of CSF‐1.…”

“…It appears therefore that the association with a neighboring cell type is important in determining cell fate. Indeed, LCs arise only in the epithelium of skin, eye, vagina and the oral surfaces (Young et al 1985;Sato & Hirano, 1997;Hamrah & Dana, 2007). OCLs on the other hand form in tight association with the osteoblasts, cells of mesenchymal origin and sources of CSF-1.…”