Replacement of Langerhans cells in murine palate

Palates from C3H mice were implanted onto prepared graft beds in histocompatible F1 hybrid mice. Biopsies taken 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 wk later were prepared to demonstrate Langerhans cells (LC) of C3H and F1 (host) origin. After 1 wk only occasional LC (all of C3H origin) were present. By 2 wk total LC numbers had increased to a level approximately 50% greater than in control (non-implanted) palate, with most of this increase due to C3H LC proliferation. From 4 through 16 wk total LC numbers were not significantly different from those of control palate. During weeks 2 through 16 the percentages of LC of F1 origin were 31, 70, 39, and 19% respectively. These results indicate an increased proliferation of C3H LC with an initial migration of F1 LC which stops as C3H LC numbers increase.