Abstract
The occurrence of cells resembling mammalian Langerhans cells in the avian epidermis was studied by ATPase histochemistry, Ia immunoreactivity and electron microscopy. The existence of MHC class II antigen-(Ia) expressing, ATPase-positive dendritic cells, which are ultrastructurally similar to mammalian Langerhans cells except for the absence of Birbeck granules, was demonstrated. These cells may be a basic component of the immune system of birds.
MeSH terms
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Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
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Animals
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Birds / anatomy & histology*
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Birds / immunology
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Birds / metabolism
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Chickens
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Dendritic Cells / enzymology
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Dendritic Cells / immunology
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Dendritic Cells / ultrastructure
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Female
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
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Histocytochemistry
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Immunohistochemistry
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Langerhans Cells / enzymology
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Langerhans Cells / immunology
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Langerhans Cells / ultrastructure*
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Male
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Mammals
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Microscopy, Electron
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Quail
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Species Specificity
Substances
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
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Adenosine Triphosphatases