Immunoglobulin-producing cells in human prostate.

Immunohistological techniques were used to investigate the presence of immunoglobulin-producing cells in human prostate. Surgical samples from 14 patients with prostate hyperplasia were analyzed. Lymphoid infiltration was rarely seen and was in no way comparable with the classical structure of mucosae-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Plasma cells were observed in nine cases. They produced predominantly IgA and lambda chains, but noticeable numbers of IgM-secreting cells were also seen. These cells were most numerous in patients with antecedents of infection or prostatitis. These data suggest that the local immune system of the prostate is in relation with the MALT, and can be colonized by MALT-derived cells in response to bacterial stimuli.