LANGERHANS CELLS IN THE IMMUNOPATHOLOGY OF CONTACT ALLERGIC DERMATITIS

The functional morphology, topography and frequency of Langerhans cell s (LCs), which are significant factors in the pathogenesis of contact allergic dermatitis (CAD), were studied by histoenzymatic methods (ade nosine triphosphatase (ATP-ase), acid phosphatase (AF and alpha naphty lacetate esterase (ANAE), immunohistochemical methods (indirect immuno peroxidase (IPO) with the monoclonal antibody OKT 6), and the peroxida se-antiperoxidase (PAP) method with the polyclonal S-100 antibody in s kin biopsies of 24 patients with CAD, as well in skin biopsies in expe rimental models in guinea pigs. The results confirmed the significant role of LCs in the pathogenesis of contact allergic dermatitis.