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The dermal dendrocyte
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Advances in Dermatology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Dermal dendrocytes, highly dendritic cells in human skin, share traits with macrophages. These cells likely form an immune system within the dermis, potentially originating fibrous histiocytomas.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The human dermis contains interstitial cells with highly dendritic morphology.
- These cells resemble dendritic osteocytes and are found in collagen-rich tissues.
- Dermal dendrocytes exhibit characteristics of the mononuclear macrophage system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and function of dermal dendrocytes.
- To explore their role in the dermal immune system.
- To determine their potential involvement in inflammatory dermatoses and fibrous histiocytomas.
Main Methods:
- Cytochemical analysis of dermal interstitial cells.
- Immunocytochemical characterization of dermal dendrocytes.
- Morphological comparison with other dendritic cells and osteocytes.
Main Results:
- Dermal dendrocytes are among the most dendritic cells in human tissue, outside the brain.
- They share cytochemical and immunocytochemical features with mononuclear macrophages.
- Morphological similarities to dendritic osteocytes are noted.
Conclusions:
- Dermal dendrocytes are likely part of an indigenous, immunologically competent dermal system.
- This system may supplement or complement epidermal immune cells.
- Dermal dendrocytes are implicated in inflammatory dermatoses and are probable precursors of fibrous histiocytomas.