MACROPHAGES WITHIN THE HUMAN ADRENAL-GLAND

There is increasing evidence for an immune-adrenal interaction in whic h macrophages may play an important role. However, few data are availa ble with respect to a human intra-adrenal macrophage system. In this s tudy, we have investigated the density, distribution and phenotype of human adrenal macrophages using monoclonal antibodies. Macrophages are localized in all zones of the adrenal gland. These cells exhibit the phenotype of the phagocytotic macrophage compartment (CD11c+, KiM8+). At the ultrastructural level, macrophages are frequently attached to t he endothelial walt, but also lie in direct contact with cortical and chromaffin cells. This investigation reveals the cellular basis for th e possible role of macrophages in the local immune-neuroendocrine axis .