Alpha tocopherol alters the distribution of Langerhans cells in DMBA-treated hamster cheek pouch epithelium

Thirty-seven adult male and female golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were divided into four experimental groups. In Group A, the animals served as untreated controls, having the left buccal pouches painted with mineral oil. In Group B, the animals received 10 mg vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) in peanut oil by the oral route, with a fine pipette, twice weekly. In Group C animals, the left buccal pouch was painted three times weekly with DMBA (0.5% solution of 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in heavy mineral oil). Group D animals received both vitamin E and DMBA in the amounts indicated for Groups B and C, with the vitamin E being administered on days alternate to the DMBA painting, also in the manner described for the above groups. All animals were killed after eight weeks of treatment. Epithelial whole mounts were prepared from the left buccal pouches. These specimens were then stained for ATPase to demonstrate the presence of Langerhans cells (LCs). A notably decreased density of LCs was observed after treatment with DMBA. Vitamin E administration in addition to DMBA treatment resulted in a less dramatic decrease in LC density. Since vitamin E has been shown to retard experimental oral carcinogenesis, vitamin E may retard carcinogenesis by maintaining the number of Langerhans cells.