[Langerhans cells of the mucous membranes of the digestive and reproductive tracts in laboratory mice and rats].

Using ATPase method, the distribution and morphological characteristics of Langerhans cells were studied in cryostat sections and sheet preparations of mucosal epithelia of alimentary and reproductive tracts of mice and rats. These dendritic cells often make contacts with each other but do not form continuous network. Their population is characterized by marked heteromorphism. In oral epithelium the density of these cells is higher in cheek than in hard palate. In dorsal tongue surface Langerhans cells are prevalent in the areas between the filiform papillae. In esophageal epithelium numerous Langerhans cells are distributed unevenly. In vaginal epithelium, their density depends on the hormonal status, decreasing at high levels of endogenous or exogenous estrogens. The number of Langerhans cells in vagina is decreased in neonatally androgenized females with persistent estrus Langerhans cells were demonstrated in portio vaginalis of the uterine cervix and vulva.