Diffuse lymphoid tissue associated with the human bulbourethral gland. An immunohistologic characterization

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.