Langerhans cells in the normal conjunctiva and peripheral cornea of selected species

The distribution of Langerhans cells (LCs) in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial sheets was investigated by histochemical, immunofluorescence, and immuno-electron microscopic methods. The LCs stained positive with ATPase and with antibodies to HLA-DR antigen and were negative to DOPA-oxidase. Human conjunctiva showed 250 to 300 LCs/mm2 compared to 15 to 20/mm2 in the peripheral third of the corneal epithelium, approximately similar of LCs were present in Lewis rat, fewer cells in guinea pigs and mice, and no detectable cells in the chick.