Comparison of Langerhans Cells and Interdigitating Reticulum Cells

Abstract

Double immunostaining for OKT-6 and S-100 protein antibodies was carried out. However, it was impossible to stain using two antibodies at the same time, or using one antibody prior to another. We first stained using FITC labeled OKT-6 antibody, and secondary stained for S-100 protein by the ABC method, after taking photographs and removing OKT-6 reaction products. The exact same cells could be stained by both OKT-6 and S-100 protein antibodies. It has been elucidated that both OKT-6 and S-100 protein positive cells are LCs, and only S-100 protein positive, but OKT-6 negative cells are IDCs. LCs only exist in the superficial and hilar lymph nodes. However IDCs exist not only in these lymph nodes, but also in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens.