Immunohistochemical detection of Langerhans cells in dental granulomas and radicular cysts

Abstract

Objective: Dental granulomas (DGs) and radicular cysts (RCs) are chronic periapical lesions frequently involving the jaws. Langerhans cells (LCs) are dendritic cells responsible for the presentation of antigens to T lymphocytes. This study examined the expression of LCs in DG and RCs by immunohistochemical staining. Study Design: Eighteen cases of DGs and 26 cases of RCs were analyzed using anti-CD1a marker. Results: CD1a-labeled LCs were observed in 11.1% of DGs and in 69.2% of RCs, showing a significant correlation (P < 0.0001; Fisher’s test). In DGs, LCs were only observed in granulation tissue, showing discrete immunostaining density. In RCs, LCs exhibited both a round and a dendritic shape in all epithelial layers. Although a correlation was observed between immunostaining density and epithelial thickness, as well as between immunostaining and inflammatory intensity, the differences were not significant in radicular cysts. Conclusion: Langerhans cells provide important insight into the immunopathogenesis of chronic periapical lesions.