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Localization of immunocompetent cells in the human epididymis
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Academy of Medicine, Szczecin, Poland.
Insights
Immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages are present in the human epididymis interstitial tissue. However, B cells (CD20+) were not detected in the epididymis by immunohistochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Histology
- Human Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The human epididymis is crucial for sperm maturation and storage.
- Understanding the local immune cell populations within the epididymis is important for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of immune cells in the human epididymis.
- To characterize immune cell types using ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural analysis via electron microscopy.
- Immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against CD3, CD20, CD45RO, and CD68.
Main Results:
- Lymphocytes and macrophages were identified between epididymal epithelial cells and in interstitial tissue via electron microscopy.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed CD3 (T-cells), CD45RO (memory T-cells), and CD68 (macrophages) positive cells primarily in the interstitial tissue.
- No CD20 positive cells (B-cells) were detected in either the epithelium or interstitial tissue.
Conclusions:
- The human epididymis contains T-cells and macrophages in its interstitial compartment.
- B-cells appear to be absent or present at very low levels in the human epididymis.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of the immune microenvironment of the human epididymis.
Abstract:
Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical (anti-CD3, CD20, CD45RO, CD68 antibodies) studies of human epididymis were performed. In electron microscopy, lymphocytes and macrophages were observed between epididymal epithelial cells and in the inerstitial tissue. However, immunohistochemical reactions with anti-CD3, CD45RO and CD68 antibodies were positive mainly in cells located the interstitial tissue. The reaction with anti-CD20 antibody was positive neither in epithelium, nor in the interstitial tissue.