LANGERHANS CELL AND MELANOCYTE DISTRIBUTION IN “NORMAL” HUMAN EPIDERMIS

S ummary Langerhans cells and melanocyte distribution was determined in 18 different body sites in 76 cadavers, 44 men and 32 women, within 24 hours of death. The Langerhans cell and melanocyte counts were inversely related so that in sun‐exposed (tanned) epidermis Langerhans cell numbers were lower and melanocyte numbers were higher than in non‐exposed (non‐tanned) epidermis. Langerhans cell and melanocyte densities were similar in men and women on non‐exposed (non‐tanned) epidermis when matched by age. In any one subject Langerhans cell densities were even throughout the body except on sun‐exposed (tanned) areas, where Langerhans cell counts were not only significantly lower but the cells were also unevenly distributed. Langerhans cell counts for all body areas decreased with age in both men and women.