Langhans giant cell
Langhans giant cells (LGC) are
They are formed by the fusion of epithelioid cells (macrophages), and contain nuclei arranged in a horseshoe-shaped pattern in the cell periphery.[1]
Although traditionally their presence was associated with tuberculosis, they are not specific for tuberculosis or even for mycobacterial disease. In fact, they are found in nearly every form of granulomatous disease, regardless of etiology.
Terminology
Langhans giant cells are named after Theodor Langhans (1839–1915), a German pathologist.[2]
Causes
In 2012, a research paper showed that when activated CD4+ T cells and
Clinical significance
Langhans giant cells are often found in transbronchial lung biopsies or lymph node biopsies in patients with sarcoidosis.[4] They are also commonly found in tuberculous granulomas of tuberculosis.[5]
References
- ^ "Pulmonary Pathology". Retrieved 2008-11-21.
- S2CID 37714847.
- PMID 22058328.
- ISBN 978-1405183239.
- OCLC 1191840836.)
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: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link
External links
- Langhans+giant+cells at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
- Histology at ohio-state.edu
- Histology at jhu.edu