IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF SECRETORY IGA IN THE HUMAN MALE REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT

Male human genital tract was treated for the immunohistochemical demon stration of secretory IgA in order to verify its own possible antimicr obial properties. An intensely positive immunoreaction for sIgA in the epithelial cells of prostate and urethral glands was observed; in the same organs the presence of immunoreactive cell clusters in the subep ithelial layers was noted. Immunostaining in the epithelia of deferent duct, seminal vesicle, deferential ampulla, ejaculatory duct and bulb ourethral glands was absent. The findings suggest that a local immune response sIgA-mediated is present in the lower male genital tract.