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Pimecrolimus does not affect Langerhans cells in murine epidermis.
J G Meingassner1, E Kowalsky, H Schwendinger
1Novartis Forschungsinstitut, Brunnerstrasse 59, A-1235 Vienna, Austria. josef.meingassner@pharma.novartis.com
The British Journal of Dermatology
|November 18, 2003
Summary
Topical pimecrolimus does not affect epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), unlike corticosteroids. Corticosteroids significantly reduce LC numbers, impacting skin immunity.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Langerhans cells (LCs) are crucial antigen-presenting cells in the epidermis, vital for skin immune responses.
- Topical corticosteroids are known to reduce LC numbers and function in the skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of pimecrolimus, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, with corticosteroids on epidermal LCs.
- To determine if pimecrolimus alters LC number or antigen-presenting capacity.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were treated with topical pimecrolimus, betamethasone, hydrocortisone, clobetasol, or vehicle.
- Epidermal sheets were analyzed for LC count and morphology using MHC class II and DEC 205 markers.
Main Results:
- Pimecrolimus treatment did not alter LC number or morphology.
- Corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, betamethasone, clobetasol) caused significant depletion of LCs, even after single-day application.
- MHC class II+ LCs were reduced by 31% (hydrocortisone), 62% (betamethasone), and 87% (clobetasol).
Conclusions:
- Topically applied pimecrolimus appears to have no adverse effect on epidermal Langerhans cells.
- Corticosteroids significantly deplete LCs, suggesting a different mechanism of action compared to pimecrolimus.