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Langerhans cells in the larynx and the hypopharynx
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan.
Insights
Langerhans cells, crucial for immune response, were identified in the human larynx and hypopharynx. Their distribution suggests a role in protecting the upper airway and esophagus entrances.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Histology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Langerhans cells are key components of the human immune system's dendritic cell network.
- Understanding their presence in the larynx and hypopharynx is vital for respiratory and digestive tract immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the existence of Langerhans cells in the normal human larynx and hypopharynx.
- To map the distribution of these immune cells within these anatomical regions.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy utilizing S-100 polyclonal antibody staining.
- Transmission electron microscopy to identify characteristic cytoplasmic granules (Langerhans granules/Birbeck's granules).
Main Results:
- Langerhans cells were observed in the suprabasal layer of the squamous epithelium in both the larynx and hypopharynx.
- Specific locations included vocal folds, epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, arytenoid regions, interarytenoid notch, vestibule, and glottis.
- In the hypopharynx, cells were found in the postcricoid area, piriform sinus, and posterior pharyngeal wall, above the esophageal entrance.
Conclusions:
- Langerhans cells are present in the human larynx and hypopharynx.
- Their distribution indicates a potential role in immune surveillance at the critical junction of the trachea and esophagus.
Abstract:
Langerhans cells are important in the human immune system as a part of the dendritic cell system. This study was carried out to demonstrate the presence of Langerhans cells and their distribution in normal human larynx and hypopharynx, by light (S-100 polyclonal antibody) and transmission electron microscopy. The results are summarized as follows: 1) Langerhans cells with cytoplasmic granules (Langerhans granules or Birbeck's granules) were situated in the suprabasal region of the squamous epithelium in the larynx and the hypopharynx. 2) They distributed in the membranous portion of the vocal folds, epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, arytenoid regions and interarytenoid notch of the larynx. The cells surrounded the vestibule and glottis of the larynx. 3) They distributed in the postcricoid area, piriform sinus and posterior pharyngeal wall of the hypopharynx. The cells were situated above the entrance of esophagus. 4) The cells were suggested to be a factor of immune response at the entrance of trachea and esophagus.