Studies by Electron Microscopy of Epidermis After Topical Application of Mercuric Chloride Morphologic and Histochemical Findings in Epidermal Cells of Human Subjects Who do not show Allergic Sensitivity or Primary Irritant Reactions to Mercuric Chloride (0.1%)

Abstract

The morphologic and histochemical changes seen by electron microscopy after a single topical application of mercuric chloride 10.1% to the skin of subjects not sensitive to it were studied. Whereas signs of injury are not detectable clinically in subjects not sensitive to mercury, they can be detected at the ultrastructural level. The ultrastructure shows varying degrees of cell degeneration which becomes more pronounced the longer the exposure to mercuric chloride. After topical application of mercuric chloride the following was observed: 1) glycogen deposits appeared in cytoplasm of some Langerhans' cells: 2) lysosome-like bodies appeared in keratinocytes, Langerhans' cells and rarely in melanocytes; 3) electron-dense deposits were demonstrable in keratinocytes, Langerhans' cells and melanocytes after specimens were processed with glutaraldehyde, ammonium sulfide and osmium tetroxide; and 4) cells with features of both kerationcytes and Langerhans' cells appeared. Cells in different parts of each specimen showed various degrees of involvement. The findings reported here serve as a basis for comparison of changes seen in clinically reactive skin sites in allergic sensitivity or primary irritant reactions to mercuric chloride.