This paper investigates the ultrastructure of human bulbo-urethral glands using specimens obtained at surgery. The tubulo-alveolar endpieces of these glands are lined by typical mucous cells in different stages of the secretory cycle. The most interesting features of their cytoplasm are membrane-bounded bodies with a filamentous texture that usually fuse with the mucous droplets before they discharge into the lumen. Cells with apical dark granules are sometimes encountered in the ductal portions of the gland, which are probably ductal cells endowed with a scanty synthetic and secretory activity. Myoepithelial cells are not very numerous and are observed around mucous cells only.

Adult↗

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Histochemical study of the human bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands.

Human bulbourethral glands were reacted histochemically and immunohistochemically to identify glycoproteins, some androgen metabolic enzymes, and VIP-like immunoreactivity. Neutral/acid mucosubstances were detected in the cytoplasm of the tubuloalveolar and ductal cells. 3 beta-, 17 beta-, and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, G6PD, and 6PGD reactivity were intense in all the glandular epithelium. Small amounts of VIP-positive fibres were observed around the secretory elements.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Histochemistry of human urethral glands.

Human urethral glands were reacted histochemically and immunohistochemically to identify glycoproteins, some androgen metabolic enzymes, and VIP-like immunoreactivity. Neutral/acid mucosubstances were detected mainly in the apical cytoplasm of the principal cells. 3 beta-, 17 beta-, and 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, G6PD, and 6PGD reactivity were intense in all the glandular epithelium. Small amounts of VIP-positive fibers were noted around the secretory elements.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMedDate not supplied

IgM and IgG in the human male genital tract.

In human seminal plasma it is possible to measure the levels of IgG and IgA, while IgM has been detected in trace amounts in only a few subjects. The source of these antibodies is unknown, although, under certain 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 antibodies. Only the epithelia of the prostate gland and urethra showed positivity to the immunohistochemical reaction, indicating the presence of IgM-secreting epithelial cells. Clusters of IgM- and IgG-positive immunocompetent cells were also observed in the subepithelial layers of all organs studied. The findings suggest that IgM are present in mucosal surfaces as a result of active secretion, as well as secretory IgA, whereas most of the IgG present in the human seminal plasma are probably derived by transudation process.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Treatment of urinary infections with ticarcillin and clavulanic acid (Clavucar) by the intramuscular route].

20 patients suffering from hospital-acquired UTI received intramuscularly ticarcillin 1 g and clavulanic acid 200 mg for 8 days. At the end of antimicrobial therapy 84.2% of the pts presented sterile urine. After 2 weeks 68.4% of the pts continued to have sterile urine. No significant side effects were registered. The results demonstrate that the association of ticarcillin with clavulanic acid can be considered a useful option in hospital acquired UTI.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Diffuse lymphoid tissue associated with the human bulbourethral gland. An immunohistologic characterization.

This study investigates the presence and distribution of immunocompetent cells in bulbourethral glands obtained from four multiorgan transplant donors. Monoclonal antibodies reacting with B (Leu 12+) and T (Leu 4+) cells, suppressor-cytotoxic cells (Leu 2+), helper-inducer (Leu 3a+) and natural killer (Leu7+) phenotypes, monocyte-macrophages, (LeuM3+), and cells expressing interleukin-2 receptor and HLA-DR antigen were tested in all specimens using an indirect immunoperoxidase staining procedure. T lymphocytes were estimated to represent 10% of the mucosal cell population. Almost all intraepithelial lymphocytes were suppressor-cytotoxic (CD8+) cells. The results demonstrate the presence of a defined distribution of immunocompetent cells in these sex accessory glands. Their role in combatting infections or other chronic genitourinary diseases is still undefined.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied