S100-protein-containing dendritic cells in fetal and newborn epidermis and thymus

Skin and thymus were obtained from abortuses of varying ages and from neonatal autopsies to determine if S100-protein-containing dendritic cells were present. Using an unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase method, we could not detect these dendritic cells in epidermis prior to live birth, but did detect them at all fetal ages in thymus. Within 24 hours of live, full-term delivery, dendritic cells containing S100 protein were identified in epidermis.