Electron Microscope Studies of the Human Epidermis. The Clear Cell of Masson (Dendritic Cell or Melanocyte)

The human epidermis has been studied by electron microscopy following osmium tetroxide and potassium permanganate fixation. An anatomically distinct cell in the human epidermis has been demonstrated with features similar to the melanocyte of the hair bulb described by Barnicot, Birbeck and Cuckow (3...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of biophysical and biochemical cytology 1958-11, Vol.4 (6), p.679-684
Main Authors: Clark, Wallace H., Hibbs, Richard G., Watson, Mildred
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antigen-Presenting Cells
Cell membranes
Cytoplasm
Dendritic Cells
Electrons
Epidermal cells
Epidermis
Epithelial cells
Hair Follicle
Histological Techniques
Humans
Intermediate filaments
Labyrinth Supporting Cells
Melanin
Melanins
Melanocytes
Microscopy
Microscopy, Electron
Mitochondria
Old Medline
Osmium Tetroxide
Skin
Skin - anatomy & histology
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Summary:The human epidermis has been studied by electron microscopy following osmium tetroxide and potassium permanganate fixation. An anatomically distinct cell in the human epidermis has been demonstrated with features similar to the melanocyte of the hair bulb described by Barnicot, Birbeck and Cuckow (3). It is dendritic in form and does not contain tonofilaments. "Intercellular bridges" are not formed. The mitochondria are larger and more numerous than those of other epidermal cells and the endoplasmic reticulum is more complex. Some of these cells contain melanin but others are melanin-free. The cell has been interpreted as being identical with the dopa-positive, clear cell of Masson (dendritic cell of Bloch or melanocyte). We have found that many membranous structures in the human epidermis are better preserved by permanganate fixation than by osmium tetroxide fixation.
ISSN:0095-9901
0021-9525
1540-8140
DOI:10.1083/jcb.4.6.679