Intraepithelial lymphocytes in category IV prostatitis

Abstract

Category IV chronic prostatitis (CP) is an asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Different injury agents can caused damage of the prostate epithelial cells and initiate an immune response. The main type of the cells involved in the immunity of the prostate is lymphocytes, particulary intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). <h3>Aim</h3> A quantitative analysis of the IEL population in prostate regarding a presence of CP. <h3>Methods</h3> Fifty-nine non-consecutive autopsy prostate glands were retrospectively evaluated for presence of CP. The density of IELs was scored using CD3 immunohistochemistry. Cell count was performed in two steps: within inflammatory zones and in areas around inflammation. <h3>Results</h3> Patients' ages ranged from 19 to 87 years (mean 50.9). The vast majority of the IEL were T-cells. There was significant difference (<i>p</i><0,001) in the mean IELs number between non-CP group (0.61±0.34; n=19) and group with CP (3.43±2.38) around; 8.53±3.25 with inflammation (n=40). In patients with mild (n=13) and moderate (n=16) grade of CP the mean IELs count was significantly higher around inflammatory areas (9.51±2.72 and 13.67±3.72) than within them (2.15±1.02 and 2.89±1.89); <i>p</i>=0.0009 and <i>p</i>=0.0064, respectively. <h3>Conclusion</h3> IELs have a fundamental role in the development of CP, suggesting an autoimmune character of the process.