LANGERHANS-CELLS IN HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUSES TYPES-6 11 ASSOCIATED LARYNGEAL PAPILLOMAS/

Some studies have shown a reduced density of Langerhans cells (LCs) wi thin epithelium infected by human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 16/18. However, data on a correlation between HPV types 6/11 infection and LC s have been missing. To solve this problem, we analysed 24 biopsy spec imens of laryngeal papillomas, selected randomly, 20 multiple and 4 so litary. The presence of HPV 6 and 11 was proven by polymerase chain re action (PCR) using 2 different sets of primers in 23 biopsy specimens. Abnormalities of the covering stratified squamous epithelium were gra ded according to the Kambic-Gale classification. LCs were immunohistoc hemically labelled with 2 different antibodies, CD1a and S100. Quantit ative analysis was performed to determine the density of LC per mm(2) in different grades of epithelial abnormalities covering laryngeal pap illomas. Although no statistically significant differences in the mean number of LCs per mm(2) of the cross-sectioned epithelium covering la ryngeal papillomas were observed comparing simple, abnormal and atypic al hyperplasia groups, the mean number of LCs per mm(2) in laryngeal p apillomas associated with HPV types 6/11 infection substantially excee ded that of the vocal cord surface epithelium in patients with chronic laryngitis.