Age variations in number and structure of human gingival Langerhans cells

The Langerhans cell, a dendritic component of stratified epithelia, which is an antigen presenter to other members of the immune chain, is a permanent resident of the oral mucosa that plays a role in local defense. To detect age-related changes, fragments of gingival epithelium spontaneously accompanying dental removals were processed for electron microscopy (EM). Monoclonal antibodies DAKO CD1 or HLA-DR followed by biotinized immunoglobulin-streptoavidin peroxidase were used to identify the Langerhans cells with the light microscope. The healthy gum epithelium in the young has a constant population of 29 +/- 5 Langerhans per light microscope field under the 10X objective. Ultrastructurally it reveals its specific bodies (Birbeck's). In all patients over 60 years, light microscopy shows a drastic decrease of Langerhans cells. These are rounded, with shorter cytoplasmic processes. The EM proves that these few remaining Langerhans have lost their specific Birbeck bodies. Present observations indicate that these cells change markedly in number and structure. This fact is probably the expression of immunologic malfunction, at least locally.