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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.
Insights
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.
Abstract:
The immunological cellular response was studied in 22 children aged between 5 and 10 years. One week before and one month after tonsillectomy, the mitogenic response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin (ConA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was tested. Our results showed statistically significant decreases in stimulation index (SI) to PHA, ConA and PWM after tonsillectomy. This suggests that the tonsils may influence the cellular immune status in children. The higher level of preoperative activity in children with recurrent tonsillitis could be understood as the result of stimulation of lymphocytes by bacteria.