| pubmed-article:1399836 | pubmed:abstractText | 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 2+), helper-inducer (Leu 3a+) and natural killer (Leu7+) 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. | lld:pubmed |
