Reactive changes in the Langerhans' cells of human skin caused by occlusion with water and sodium lauryl sulphate

Abstract

Human skin was patch tested with sodium lauryl sulphate or with water only for 48 h and biopsied immediately and after 24 h, then analyzed by immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Sodium lauryl sulphate produced a decrease in the number of epidermal Langerhans' cells and an increase in dermal Langerhans' cells, with individual variations. The 48-h water occlusion controls showed only slight reactions. Unexpectedly, quite pronounced reactive changes were seen 24 h after termination of water occlusion. Thus, dermal Langerhans' cells were commonly increased and epidermal Langerhans' cells tended to decrease in number. The results indicate that the 24-h interval is not a period of recovery but a period in which more pronounced reactive changes occur. Hydration over 48 h followed by dehydration leading to temporary damage to the epidermal barrier may explain the present findings. Some of the reactive changes observed after sodium lauryl sulphate exposure probably represent the additive effects of occlusion and sodium lauryl sulphate treatment.