McCoombe SG, Cameron PU, Short RV; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. WePeA5739.
Dept. of Zoology / Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
BACKGROUND: Little is known about where HIV-1 enters the human penis, but the protective effect of male circumcision suggests that the foreskin is involved. Langerhans cells that contain specific HIV-1 receptors are located in the foreskin, glans penis and frenulum, but an overlying layer of keratin could prevent viral contact with these receptors. We have therefore studied the distribution of Langerhans cells, dendritic cells and T-cells, and the relative thickness of the keratin layer, in the glans penis and foreskin to determine how HIV-1 could enter the penis. METHODS: Uncircumcised penises were obtained from formalin-fixed cadavers, and a specific histochemical stain was used to measure keratin thickness on the foreskin and glans penis. Langerhans cell, dendritic cell and T-cell density, location and morphology were studied using varying immunohistochemical techniques on fresh-frozen penile sections obtained following routine adult circumcision or at autopsy. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the keratin layer on the inner surface of the foreskin and the frenulum was significantly less than that on the outer foreskin or the glans penis. Langerhans cells in the epithelium of the inner foreskin and frenulum were closer to the surface than in the epithelium of the outer foreskin. CONCLUSIONS: The most important route for HIV-1 entry into the penis of uncircumcised men is probably via superficial Langerhans cells on the inner aspect of the foreskin and the frenulum where the keratin layer is the thinnest. The protective effect of male circumcision can be best explained by the removal of many readily accessible HIV-1 receptor sites in the foreskin.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Adult
- Animals
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
- Cervix Uteri
- Circumcision, Male
- Dendritic Cells
- Epithelium
- Female
- Genitalia, Female
- HIV-1
- Humans
- Keratins
- Langerhans Cells
- Male
- Penis
- Receptors, HIV
- Skin
- T-Lymphocytes
- methods
- surgery
Other ID:
UI: 102254669
From Meeting Abstracts