Reduction in CD1 positive epidermal Langerhans cell numbers in leprosy lesions following epicutaneous application of 2:4 dinitrochlorobenzene.

ABSTRACT

A study was made on Langerhans cells (LC) in the dermal lesions of leprosy after epicutaneous application of 24 dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to the lesion. LC were quantitated with OKT6 monoclonal antibody and indirect immunofluorescence. A depletion or reduction in the numbers of CD1+ epidermal LC was observed at both 4 and 24 hours after the application of DNCB in the lesions of both tuberculoid and lepromatous leprosy, compared to untreated lesions.