[The ultrastructure of interdigitating cells in atopic eczema]

Electron microscopy was used in investigations of interdigitating reticulum cells of axillary lymph nodes sampled from patients with atopic eczema in different clinical stages. The ultrastructure of these cells was found to differ clearly from that of cells under largely normal conditions. For example, the lumina of the so-called tubulovesicular structures (TV) were clearly reduced. Considerable lobulation of peripheral cytoplasm was an additional finding recorded from the acute clinical stage, while in terms of cellular morphology (interdigitation) contact with T-lymphocytes was obviously reduced. Cytoplasmic processus were clearly decreased in the chronic stage.