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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
Maternal microchimerism in juvenile tonsils and adenoids
Anna Maria Jonsson1, Nikos Papadogiannakis, Anna Granath
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. anna.jonsson@karolinska.se
Pediatric Research
|June 10, 2010
Summary
Maternal microchimerism (MMc) was investigated in healthy children. Maternal cells were detected in the tonsils and adenoids of 4 out of 20 children, suggesting MMc can persist in these tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular exchange between mother and fetus during pregnancy can lead to microchimerism, a state where cells persist in both individuals.
- Both fetal and maternal microchimerism (MMc) are linked to autoimmune disorders.
- Data on MMc in healthy individuals' tissues is limited, yet crucial for disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and frequency of maternal cells in the tonsils and adenoids of healthy children.
- To contribute baseline data on MMc in pediatric tissues.
Main Methods:
- Investigated 20 healthy children (ages 2-15) undergoing surgery for tonsillitis or respiratory obstruction.
- Maternal microchimerism (MMc) detection using RT-PCR assay.
- Assay based on gene polymorphism differences between mother and child.
Main Results:
- Maternal cells were identified in the tonsils and/or adenoids of 4 out of 20 children.
- The observed frequency of MMc in these tissues was lower than in healthy adults' peripheral blood.
- Frequency aligns with previously reported MMc levels in other control tissues.
Conclusions:
- Maternal cells can be present in pediatric tonsils and adenoids.
- This study provides evidence for MMc persistence in these specific childhood tissues.
- Findings support the importance of considering MMc in healthy pediatric tissues for disease association studies.
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