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Reduced lymphocyte activation in repeatedly inflamed human tonsils
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Recurrent tonsillitis in humans shows reduced lymphocyte activation and altered M cells in tonsillar crypt epithelium, unlike in dogs. This suggests impaired antigen sampling may contribute to chronic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Recurrent tonsillitis is a common condition with unclear pathomechanisms.
- Tonsillar lymphoid tissue relies on crypt epithelium for antigen presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lymphocyte activation in recurrent tonsillitis.
- To examine the ultrastructure of tonsillar crypt epithelium in recurrent tonsillitis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated tonsils from 20 patients with recurrent tonsillitis.
- Examined lymphocyte activation via nuclear birefringence.
- Studied the ultrastructure of follicle-associated epithelium (M cells) in 5 cases.
- Compared human tonsil tissue with canine tonsils.
Main Results:
- Only 3 out of 20 patients showed activated lymphocytes.
- Human tonsillar M cells had fewer intracytoplasmic tubules and vesicles compared to dogs.
- The frequency of M cells appeared reduced in inflamed human tonsils.
- Inflamed tonsillar crypts were often lined with stratified squamous epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Reduced lymphocyte activation in recurrent tonsillitis may stem from diminished antigen stimulation.
- Alterations in M cell ultrastructure and frequency suggest impaired antigen transport.
- These findings propose a pathomechanism for recurrent tonsillitis involving defective immune surveillance.