Macrophages are increased in cervical epithelium of women with cervicitis. Issue 5 (1st October 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prakash, Manyu; Patterson, Steven; Kapembwa, Moses S
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 77:Issue 5(2001)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 369
• Publication Date: 2001-10-01
• Subjects: cervicitis -- macrophages -- flow cytometry; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.77.5.366
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) are major causes of morbidity in women. The mechanisms involved in establishment of genital mucosal infection are poorly defined. Objective: To investigate changes in cervical epithelial (CE) CD45+ cell subpopulations in women with microscopic evidence of cervicitis (n=9) and those without (n=12). Methods: CE samples were obtained using cytobrush including matched venous blood. CE and peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells were analysed by flow cytometry for CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD14+, CD19+, and HLA-DR+ expression. Results: Women with cervicitis had increased CE macrophages compared with those without (p<0.05). MHC class II+ cells were predominant in all cervical samples. Considerably fewer B lymphocytes were found in cervical samples in both groups of women. No changes were observed in cervical T lymphocyte subsets. However, a relative CD8+ lymphocytosis in PB was noted in women with cervicitis. Conclusion: The increased numbers of CE macrophages in women with cervicitis may have important implications for pathogenesis of STIs including human immunodeficiency virus infection.