Electron microscopic observations of Langerhans' cells in human epidermis irradiated with grenz rays

The effect of grenz rays on Langerhans' cells and epidermal morphology was studied at electron microscopic resolution in humans. Biopsies were obtained before and after grenz ray therapy (3 Gy X 3, 1 week interval) from 6 subjects. There was a pronounced reduction of the number of Langerhans' cells 24 hours after the final treatment. There appeared to be no consistent differences in keratinocyte morphology or changes of the intercellular space.