Lymphocytes and Langerhans cells in the human oesophageal epithelium

Abstract

Using monoclonal antibodies on fresh frozen endoscopically obtained oesophageal biopsies the distribution of Langerhans cells, B lymphocytes, and various subpopulations of T lymphocytes was studied in the normal human oesophageal mucosa and in oesophagitis. Identification of the lymphocytes was carried out by an immunoperoxidase technique using OKT₃ (antihuman T cell antibody), OKT₄ (antihuman helper T cell antibody), OKT₈ (antihuman cytotoxic T cell) and OKT₁₀ (antihuman null cell antibody). Identification of the Langerhans cells was carried out using an ATPase stain and OKIa (Ia like antigen) and OKT₆ (antihuman thymocyte). In the normal oesophageal epithelium cytotoxic T lymphocytes are found as well as Ia positive Langerhans cells. Helper T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes are present mainly in the lamina propria. In oesophagitis an increase in Langerhans cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes within the epithelium is found. From these findings it can be concluded that the oesophagus contains a reticuloepithelial system as well as a lymphocytic population which are a part of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.