Diffuse Lymphoid Tissue Associated with the Human Bulbourethral Gland: An Immunohistologic Characterization

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the presence and distribution of immunocompetent cells in bulbourethral glands obtained from four multiorgan transplant donors. Monoclonal antibodies reacting with B (Leu 12 +) and T (Leu 4 +) cells, suppressor‐cytotoxic cells (Leu 2a +), helper‐inducer (Leu 3a +) and natural killer (Leu 7 +) phenotypes, monocyte‐macrophages, (LeuM3 +), and cells expressing interleukin‐2 receptor and HLA‐DR antigen were tested in all specimens using an indirect immunoperoxidase staining procedure. T lymphocytes were estimated to represent 10% of the mucosal cell population. Almost all intraepithelial lymphocytes were suppressor‐cytotoxic (CD8 +) cells. The results demonstrate the presence of a defined distribution of immunocompetent cells in these sex accessory glands. Their role in combatting infections or other chronic genitourinary diseases is still undefined. 1992 American Society of Andrology