Electron microscopic demonstration of Langerhans cells in human tonsillar epithelium

Langerhans cells are believed to play an important role in cutaneous immune responses. The tonsils likewise have been regarded as lymphoid tissue performing critical functions in the immune system. The present study was undertaken to determine whether Langerhans cells are present in tonsillar epithelium. Samples of epithelium from four tonsils were processed and examined with an electron microscope. Cells morphologically typical of Langerhans cells were found to be present in the tonsillar epithelium.