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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Dissection and 2-Photon Imaging of Peripheral Lymph Nodes in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2007
Langerhans cells in the lymph node: mirror section and immunoelectron microscopic studies
M Shamoto1, M Shinzato, S Hosokawa
1Division of Pathological Cytology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan.
Insights
The study identified two distinct cell types in lymph nodes: Langerhans cells (LC) in superficial nodes and interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC) in deeper nodes. LC presence suggests migration from squamous epithelia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Lymph nodes contain various immune cells, including dendritic cells.
- Langerhans cells (LC) and interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC) are types of dendritic cells with distinct roles.
- The precise localization and markers of LC and IDC in different lymphoid tissues are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate and localize Langerhans cells (LC) and interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC) in various lymphoid tissues.
- To investigate the potential origin and migration patterns of LC.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect S-100 protein and OKT-6 antigen expression in cells.
- Analysis was performed on cells from superficial, hilar, and mesenteric lymph nodes, as well as the spleen.
Main Results:
- Cells positive for both S-100 and OKT-6 were found exclusively in superficial and hilar lymph nodes draining squamous epithelia.
- Mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen showed cells positive for S-100 but negative for OKT-6.
- The presence of Birbeck granules was hypothesized to be linked to LC migration from squamous epithelia.
Conclusions:
- S-100 and OKT-6 positive cells are likely Langerhans cells (LC) found in lymph nodes draining squamous epithelia.
- S-100 positive, OKT-6 negative cells are likely interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC).
- LC may originate from squamous epithelia and migrate to regional lymph nodes.
Abstract:
Cells immunostained with antibodies against both OKT-6 and S-100 protein were observed only in superficial and hilar lymph nodes draining tissues with predominantly squamous epithelia. In contrast, in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen, only S-100 protein-positive, but OKT-6-negative cells were found. We suspect that the S-100 and OKT-6-positive cells might be Langerhans cells (LC) and the S-100-positive, OKT-6-negative cells, interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC). We further postulate that the LC in superficial and hilar lymph nodes might migrate from squamous epithelia, with which contact is required for the formation of Birbeck granules.
