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Updated: Oct 4, 2026
Characterization of Immune Cells in Human Adipose Tissue by Using Flow Cytometry
Published on: March 6, 2018
[Lymphocyte subpopulations in the adenoids analyzed by flow cytometry]
J Wysocka1, E Hassmann-Poznańska, E Kasprzycka
1Kliniki Otolaryngologii Dzieciecej Akademii Medycznej w Białymstoku.
Insights
Children with serous otitis media have lower levels of T lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells in their adenoids. These immune cell differences may predispose children to developing otitis media with effusion.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Cellular immunology
Context:
- Adenoid hypertrophy is a common childhood condition.
- Adenoid hypertrophy frequently coincides with the onset of serous otitis media (SOM).
- Understanding the immune environment of adenoids is crucial for elucidating SOM pathogenesis.
Purpose:
- To investigate and compare lymphocyte subpopulations within adenoid tissues of children with and without SOM.
- To determine if quantitative differences in adenoid lymphocyte profiles correlate with the presence of SOM.
Summary:
- The study analyzed adenoids from 65 children aged 1-17 years, comparing those with persistent middle ear effusion (SOM) to those with adenoid hypertrophy but no history of otitis media.
- While B lymphocyte percentages were similar, T lymphocytes (p < 0.04) and CD4+ T cells (p < 0.005) were significantly reduced in children with SOM.
- Slightly elevated T HLA-DR+ cells and unchanged T CD25+ cells were observed in the SOM group.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that quantitative variations in adenoid lymphocyte subpopulations, particularly T cells, may represent a predisposing factor for serous otitis media in children.
- This research contributes to understanding the immunobiology of SOM and may inform future diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Adenoid hypertrophy is a common problem of childhood. The peak occurrence of adenoid hypertrophy correlates with the onset of serous otitis media. The aim of the study was to evaluate the lymphocyte subpopulations in the adenoids of children with serous otitis media. The adenoids obtained from 65 children at the age of 1 to 17 years were examined. Two groups were studied: 1) children with persistent effusion in the middle ear, 2) children with adenoid hypertrophy without a history of otitis media. The percentage of the lymphocytes B in the adenoids was similar in both groups. However, the percentage of lymphocytes T (p < 0.04), and CD4+ (p < 0.005) was significantly lower in adenoids of children with serous otitis media. The percentage of lymphocytes T HLA-DR+ was slightly higher in this group, but the percentage of lymphocytes T CD25+ was the same in both groups. The quantitative differences in the lymphocyte subpopulations of adenoids may be the predisposing factor in serous otitis media.
