[Histiocytosis X of the jaws. II. Structural, histo-enzymologic and immunohistochemical study]

A series of cases of histiocytosis X was studied by immunohistochemistry (20 cases), histoenzymology (5 cases) and electron microscopy (15 cases). The immunohistochemical methods showed in the majority of cells (histiocytes similar to Langerhans' cells), OKT6, HLA-DR ans S-100 protein antigens. Besides, Leu 4 antigen was also present on the surface of some cells. The histoenzymological analysis found acid phosphatase and specific esterases activities with a different repartition in histiocytes compared to macrophages. By electron microscopy, we detected the typical Birbeck granules. The signification of these granules and also the pathogenesis of the disease were discussed.