A suction blister method that gives epidermal biopsies from mice of different ages, suitable for histologic studies of Langerhans cells.

Abstract

A modified suction blister device has been developed. It allows in vivo retrieval of 3 x 3 mm2 mouse epidermis biopsies. Separation takes place exactly at the epidermal-dermal junction. Young skin and iso-grafted skin require suction with a lower bar value than skin from young and old non-grafted animals. Langerhans cells in biopsies were identified both with ATPase staining and with monoclonal antibody. Suction blisters produce Langerhans cell counts similar to those obtained on EDTA-separated epidermis.