Langerhans' cell and vitiligo: quantitative study of T6 and HLA-DR antigen-expressing cells.

Epidermal Langerhans' cell (LC) densities in vitiliginous skin (VS) and normal-appearing skin (NAS) were studied in 10 patients with common vitiligo. Monoclonal mouse anti human T6 antigen IgG1 and Ia antigen IgG2 (Ortho Pharmaceuticals) were used to characterize LC. Epidermal LC densities were calculated by means of an ocular square grid and expressed per 0.1 mm2. The results showed that LC densities of VS was similar to that of NAS (p: not significant). No differences were noted in terms of age, sex, progressing, stable or repigmenting vitiligo. We concluded that involvement of LC in vitiligo, if any, does not probably occur via a degenerating mechanism, or via variations in regional densities.