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Interstitial cystitis: bladder mucosa lymphocyte immunophenotyping and peripheral blood flow cytometry analysis
D S Harrington1, M Fall, S L Johansson
1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.
The Journal of Urology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Interstitial cystitis involves immune system activation in the bladder, particularly in classical cases. This study reveals distinct local and peripheral immune cell changes in patients with interstitial cystitis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Urology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition primarily affecting women, causing urgency and pain.
- The exact cause of IC is unknown, but immune system involvement is suspected.
- Limited data exists on local and systemic immune responses in IC patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize local immune responses in bladder biopsies.
- To analyze peripheral blood immune cell subsets using flow cytometry.
- To compare immune profiles between classical IC, nonulcerative IC, and control groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bladder biopsy sections from 43 patients (24 IC, 10 controls) using monoclonal antibodies and immunoperoxidase technique.
- Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood from 24 patients (14 IC, 10 controls) using the same antibody panel.
- Characterization of lymphoid cells, T cell subsets, B cells, and plasma cells in both tissues and blood.
Main Results:
- Classical IC biopsies showed intense inflammation, plasma cells, T cell aggregates, B cell nodules, and altered T-helper/suppressor ratios.
- Nonulcerative IC showed minimal differences compared to controls, with slightly increased lymphoid cells.
- Peripheral blood analysis revealed increased secretory Ig positive B cells and activated lymphocytes in both IC groups, with abnormal kappa-to-lambda ratios in classical IC.
Conclusions:
- Immune mechanisms play a significant role in the pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis.
- A parallel exists between the immune responses observed in IC and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise immune involvement in IC.
