The distribution and quantification of the Langerhans cell in normal human epidermis

The distribution of the Langerhans cell in normal human skin was determined using the mouse monoclonal antibody NA1/34 in a standard immunoperoxidase technique. Langerhans cells were counted in 106 specimens of clinically and histologically normal skin which was obtained from 95 out-patients (97 specimens) and five cadavers (nine specimens). Langerhans cell density was evaluated both as the number of Langerhans cells overlying 200 basal cells and as the number of Langerhans cells per linear millimetre of surface epidermis. The mean values of Langerhans cell density at each site were as follows: trunk 25 per 200 basal cells/ 32 per linear mm; upper limb 29 per 200 basal cells/33 per linear mm; face and neck 31 per 200 basal cells 34 per linear mm; lower limb 28 per 200 basal cells/32 per linear mm; palm 10 per 200 basal cells/18 per linear mm and sole 11 per 200 basal cells/17 per linear mm.