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Quantitative analysis of CD1a (T6) positive Langerhans cells in human tonsil epithelium
I Indrasingh1, G Chandi, L Jeyaseelan
1Department of Anatomy, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.
Insights
This study quantifies Langerhans cells in human palatine tonsils, finding higher numbers in females during puberty and adolescence, suggesting increased tonsil immune function. Overall, immune cell counts varied significantly by age and sex.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Palatine tonsils play a crucial role in immune surveillance.
- Langerhans cells are key antigen-presenting cells within the tonsil epithelium.
- Understanding their distribution is vital for immune response studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively analyze Langerhans cells in human palatine tonsil epithelium.
- To investigate age and sex-related differences in Langerhans cell distribution.
- To correlate these findings with tonsil immunological function.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of Langerhans cells using CD1a (T6) marker on human palatine tonsil cryo-sections.
- Avidin biotin peroxidase staining and light microscopy.
- Counting CD1a-positive cells in the tonsil epithelium across different age and sex groups.
Main Results:
- A mean of 37 Langerhans cells per 1.1 mm basement membrane zone was observed.
- Females showed a slightly higher mean (38) than males (36).
- Significant sex differences in cell numbers were noted in adolescents (11-25 years), with higher counts in females.
Conclusions:
- Palatine tonsil immune activity appears heightened during puberty and adolescence, particularly in females.
- Significant age and sex variations in Langerhans cell distribution exist.
- These findings highlight the dynamic immunological role of tonsils across lifespan.
Abstract:
Fifty-one human palatine tonsils of both sexes and 4-54 years of age were studied for quantitative analysis of Langerhans cells in the epithelium using CD1a (T6), which is a specific immunological marker for Langerhans cells and indeterminate cells. Cryo-sections were stained using the avidin biotin peroxidase method. Using light microscopy, CD1a-positive dark brown cells with dendritic processes were identified as Langerhans cells, which were located in the epithelium, subepithelial tissue, follicles and interfollicular areas. The Langerhans cells were counted only in the tonsil epithelium per zone of 1.1 mm length of basement membrane. For each biopsy, 25 such zones were studied. The mean number (SEM) of Langerhans cells per zone of tonsil epithelium was found to be 37 (+/- 0.5). In the male, it was 36 (+/- 0.7) but in the female, it was 38 (+/- 0.2). In different age subgroups, the mean number (SEM) varied between 40 (+/- 1.7) and 14 (+/- 1.1). In the age subgroups of 11-15, 16-20, and 21-25 years, the mean number showed significant sex differences. Since the 11-15, 16-20, and 21-25 age subgroups in the female showed an increased number of Langerhans cells, it is concluded that the immunological role of the palatine tonsils is increased during puberty and adolescence. In the female, there was a negative correlation (r = -0.196, p < 0.01) between age subgroups and mean numbers, but in the male there was no correlation (r = 0.008). Overall, in all the 51 biopsies together, there was a negative correlation (r = -0.017, p < 0.01) and significant (p < 0.001) sex and age differences.
