Langerhans' cells in urticaria: an electron microscopic study.

Sections from the wheals of recent onset 24 hours old or less taken from 11 patients with urticaria were examined by electron microscopy. The results have demonstrated that some langerhans cells display cell structure damage, namely: vacuolation of cytoplasm, damage to some mitochondria, prominent golgi complex and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The Birbeck granules have shown various forms. These findings suggest that in urticaria, the langerhans cells take part in the allergic reactions.