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Changes in immunologic response in tonsillectomized children. I. Immunosuppression in recurrent tonsillitis
M Sainz1, F Gutierrez, P M Moreno
1Departamento de ORL, Hospital Universitario de Granada, Spain.
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Tonsillectomy did not harm the immune system. Instead, removing tonsils improved immune response by increasing immunoglobulin synthesis in lymphocytes, suggesting a previously unknown immunoregulatory role for tonsils.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Tonsils play a role in immune regulation.
- The effect of tonsillectomy on the immune system is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunoregulatory role of tonsils.
- To assess the impact of tonsillectomy on immunoglobulin and complement levels.
- To evaluate in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis by lymphocytes post-tonsillectomy.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE) and complement factors (C'3, C'4, PFB) were measured before and after tonsillectomy.
- In vitro synthesis of IgG and IgM by lymphocytes stimulated with pokeweed mitogen was assessed.
Main Results:
- Post-tonsillectomy, serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels significantly decreased.
- Serum IgE levels and complement factors (C'3, C'4, PFB) showed no significant changes.
- In vitro lymphocyte synthesis of IgG and IgM significantly increased after tonsillectomy.
Conclusions:
- Tonsillectomy does not adversely affect the immune system.
- The study suggests tonsillectomy may enhance immune response by reducing an apparent suppression.
- Tonsils may exert an immunoregulatory function that can be overcome by their removal.