Effect of grenz rays on Langerhans' cells in human epidermis

In order to investigate the effect of grenz rays on Langerhans' cells in human epidermis, five healthy volunteers were treated with a single dose of 4 gray of grenz rays on a limited area of buttock skin. Biopsies were obtained before irradiation and from the irradiated site 30 min, 6 hours, 24 hours, 1 week and 3 weeks after X-ray therapy. There was a slight reduction after 30 min and a very pronounced reduction of OKT-6 positive cells regarded as Langerhans' cells, 1 and 3 weeks after irradiation.