Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (CEOG) is published by IMR Press from Volume 47 Issue 1 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.
Cell-mediated immunity in the course of cervical ectropion
In the present study we evaluated cellular immunitary response in course of asymptomatic ectropion. Biopsies of the injured and healthy zones of the exocervix were carried out. All biopsies were examined by an immuno-histo-chemical method (Avidin-Biotin Complex, ABC) with monoclonal antibodies, in order to phenotype T lymphocytic subpopulations, in particular T helper lymphocytes (CD4), T suppressor lymphocytes (CD8) and Langerhans cells (CD1), which are basic elements of the monocytic-macrophagic series. Our preliminary findings showed a reduction of CD4, CD8 and CD1 lymphocytic subpopulations in ectropion zones, while these subpopulations are normally present in healthy zones of the exocervix. These findings support the hypothesis that, in ectropion, as in HPV infections and in CIN, a localized immuno-deficiency may appear and depress immuno-surveillance and cell-mediated response. In conclusion, it may be supposed that ectropion represents a non-stable lesion, which therefore needs suitable therapeutic intervention.