Langerhans cells and T-lymphocytes in the normal human ectocervix defined by monoclonal antibodies and electron microscopy.

Abstract

Slices of normal human uterine ectocervix, obtained from hysterectomized patients, were processed for immunohistological labelling in cryostat frozen sections and the adjacent slices fixed for electron microscopy. This combined procedure was chosen to localize two surface antigens (T6 and HLA-DR) in Langerhans cells and to identify this type of cell by the ultrastructural marker, the Birbeck granule. A third monoclonal antibody (T8) was used to label a population of migrating lymphocytes which appear near the Langerhans cells as well as in the lamina propria. The electron micrographs reveal that both Langerhans cells and T lymphocytes occupy the intercellular channels of the cervical epithelium. It is postulated that in the female genital tract Langerhans cells may function as an antigen presenting cell for T lymphocytes in normal physiological conditions.