IGM AND IGG IN THE HUMAN MALE GENITAL-TRACT

In human seminal plasma it is possible to measure the levels of IgG an d IgA, while IgM has been detected in trace amounts in only a few subj ects. The source of these antibodies is unknown, although, under certa in conditions, they seem to be produced in the sex tissues. Male human genital tract was processed for the immunohistochemical demonstration of IgG and IgM to verify the presence and the source of these antibod ies. Only the epithelia of the prostate gland and urethra showed posit ivity to the immunohistochemical reaction, indicating the presence of IgM-secreting epithelial cells. Clusters of IgM- and IgG-positive immu nocompetent cells were also observed in the subepithelial layers of al l organs studied. The findings suggest that IgM are present in mucosal surfaces as a result of active secretion, as well as secretory IgA, w hereas most of the IgG present in the human seminal plasma are probabl y derived by transudation process.