Characterization of T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells in the murine male urethra.

The male lower urogenital tract is exposed to sexually transmitted pathogens and is therefore a strategic site of immune defense. To further define the immunodynamics of this region, we studied the histology, immune cell distribution, and draining lymph nodes of the murine male lower urogenital tract. The external surface of the foreskin was covered by skin composed of keratinized stratified epithelium containing numerous hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Immunologically the penile foreskin was characterized by the presence of few T lymphocytes and macrophages. Numerous Langerhans cells, however, were detected within the epithelium.The penile urethra was composed of stratified columnar epithelium, with a meatus lined by keratinized squamous epithelium preceding the opening proper