Problem: The role of neutrophils in the human Fallopian tube (FT) is unknown. In order to provide insights into their functions in the FT, we systematically compared neutrophils from normal FT and peripheral blood (PB).
Method of study: Flow cytometric analysis of surface receptors, granule proteins, and intracellular cytokines expressed by neutrophils from enzymatically dispersed FT and PB was performed.
Results: Fallopian tube neutrophils expressed significantly higher levels of CD64, human class II histocompatibility antigen DR (HLA-DR), gamma-interferon, and vascular endothelial growth factor than those from PB. Fewer FT neutrophils expressed IL-8 receptors compared to PB, while more expressed the receptor for the bacterial-derived chemoattractant formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). The number of FT neutrophils containing the granule proteins matrix metalloproteinase-9, lactoferrin, and myeloperoxidase was decreased versus PB.
Conclusion: Fallopian tube neutrophils exhibit a phenotype distinct from PB neutrophils, suggesting functional activation of innate immune defense in the female reproductive tract as well as a potential role in maintaining normal FT physiology.