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Changes in immunological response in tonsillectomized children. II. Decreased cellular response
P M Moreno1, M Sanchez, M Sainz
1Departamento de ORL, Hospital Universitario de Granada, Spain.
Clinical Otolaryngology and Allied Sciences
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Tonsillectomy in children significantly reduced immune cell responses to common mitogens. This indicates tonsils play a crucial role in maintaining children's cellular immunity, especially in cases of recurrent tonsillitis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Tonsils are known lymphoid organs involved in immune responses.
- The role of tonsils in pediatric cellular immunity requires further elucidation.
- Recurrent tonsillitis may involve heightened immune activity due to bacterial stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of tonsillectomy on the cellular immunological response in children.
- To assess changes in lymphocyte proliferation following tonsillectomy.
- To explore the relationship between preoperative immune activity and recurrent tonsillitis.
Main Methods:
- Studied 22 children aged 5-10 years undergoing tonsillectomy.
- Measured mitogenic response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM).
- Assessed responses one week before and one month after surgery to determine stimulation index (SI).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in stimulation index (SI) to PHA, ConA, and PWM was observed post-tonsillectomy.
- Cellular immune response showed a marked reduction after the removal of tonsils.
- Preoperative immune activity was potentially higher in children with recurrent tonsillitis.
Conclusions:
- Tonsils significantly influence the cellular immune status in children.
- Tonsillectomy leads to a demonstrable decrease in lymphocyte responsiveness.
- Elevated preoperative immune cell activity in recurrent tonsillitis may be linked to bacterial exposure.