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Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
A FURTHER EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON EXCITATION OF INFECTIONS OF THE THROAT.
1Department of Pathology of Washington University Medical School, St Louis.
This study details improved methods for measuring mucous membrane temperature changes and vasomotor tone. Findings suggest cold exposure training may enhance respiratory immunity by promoting hyperemia in the pharynx.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Immunology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Mucous membranes, including tonsils, palate, and pharynx, exhibit temperature changes linked to vasomotor tone.
- Previous methods for measuring these changes were less precise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine techniques for monitoring temperature fluctuations and vasomotor responses in mucous membranes.
- To investigate the physiological reactions of the pharynx and tonsils to chilling and rewarming.
- To explore the potential role of vasomotor system training in enhancing respiratory infection immunity.
Main Methods:
- Development of an improved applicator holder for stable thermopile terminal contact with mucous membranes.
- Utilized a saliva ejector and enhanced calibration techniques.
- Observed physiological responses (temperature, vasoconstriction/vasodilation) in mucous membranes and skin to chilling, rewarming, and amyl nitrite inhalation.
- Analyzed changes in pharyngeal and tonsillar microbial flora post-experimentation.
Main Results:
- Palatine tonsils showed reflex vasoconstriction upon chilling, followed by significant hyperemia upon rewarming.
- Skin exhibited transient vasoconstriction with chilling and rapid recovery.
- Pharynx and palate remained somewhat ischemic after rewarming.
- Amyl nitrite caused skin temperature rise; mucous membrane response varied based on initial ischemic or hyperemic state.
- Microbial flora analysis indicated proliferation of specific bacteria (Streptococcus haemolyticus, Micrococcus catarrhalis, Bacillus influenzae) in some cases, associated with mild symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Improved thermopile application enhances the study of vasomotor tone in mucous membranes.
- The observed hyperemia in tonsils post-chilling suggests a potential mechanism for 'hardening' against respiratory infections.
- Training the vasomotor system may improve pharyngeal hyperemia response, contributing to increased immunity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the link between vasomotor responses, microbial changes, and respiratory health.
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