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Cellular defence in surface secretion in acute pharyngotonsillitis
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|January 1, 1996
Summary
The tonsil surface secretion
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Acute pharyngotonsillitis is a contagious infection.
- The tonsillar surface secretion's role in defense is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular defense system in tonsillar surface secretions during acute pharyngotonsillitis.
- To understand the pathophysiological importance of these cells.
Main Methods:
- A novel imprint technique was used to analyze cellular kinetics and spatial relations.
- 16 patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis were studied.
Main Results:
- Early infection showed high bacteria and granulocyte counts, with signs of cell exhaustion and phagocytosis.
- Healing phases exhibited significant shifts in cellular content and organization.
- Even healthy tonsils showed some bacterial presence, granulocytes, and phagocytosis.
Conclusions:
- A cellular defense system is consistently active in tonsillar surface secretions.
- This system is significantly activated and stressed during acute pharyngotonsillitis.
- The condition may arise from an overload on this surface secretion defense system.