Immunohistochemical study of secretory IgA in the human male reproductive tract.

Male human genital tract was treated for the immunohistochemical demonstration of secretory IgA in order to verify its own possible antimicrobial 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 subepithelial layers was noted. Immunostaining in the epithelia of deferent duct, seminal vesicle, deferential ampulla, ejaculatory duct and bulbourethral glands was absent. The findings suggest that a local immune response sIgA-mediated is present in the lower male genital tract.