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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
[Image cytometry appliance in chronic tonsillitis]
Joanna Zabel-Olejnik1, Michał Grzegorowski, Jerzy Warchoł
1Klinika Otolaryngologii Dzieciecej Instytutu Pediatrii AM im. Karola Marcinkowskiego w Poznaniu.
Insights
Chronic tonsillitis involves lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis, not just proliferation, in enlarged palatine tonsils. Understanding this balance aids in tonsillectomy decisions for children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Enlarged palatine tonsils in chronic inflammation were previously attributed solely to lymphocyte proliferation.
- This traditional view failed to explain the persistent organ enlargement.
- Studies focused on pediatric tonsils from children aged 4-16 undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic upper respiratory or ear infections.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cellular mechanisms behind palatine tonsil enlargement during chronic inflammatory processes.
- To evaluate the roles of both cell proliferation and apoptosis in tonsil hypertrophy.
- To determine if objective analysis of tonsil homeostasis can aid clinical decision-making for tonsillectomy.
Summary:
- Cell proliferation and apoptosis were quantified in 92 pediatric palatine tonsils using flow cytometry and image analysis.
- The findings reveal that apoptosis actively accompanies lymphocyte proliferation in chronically inflamed tonsils.
- This suggests a dynamic balance, not just growth, contributes to tonsil enlargement.
Impact:
- The study highlights the importance of evaluating tonsil homeostasis for accurate diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis.
- Image analysis offers an objective method to assess tonsil pathology.
- These findings could refine criteria for referring children for tonsillectomy, improving patient management.
Abstract:
Enlargement of palatinar tonsils in the course of chronic inflammatory process has been thought till now to reflect pronounced lymphocyte proliferation even if such mechanism fails to explain the persistent increase in size of the organ. The studies were performed on 92 tonsils obtained from 4 to 16 years old children in whom the tonsils were removed due to chronic inflammatory processes in upper respiratory tract or in ears. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry and by image analysis. The data show that apoptosis in the tonsils is accompanying lymphocyte proliferation in the course of chronic inflammatory process. Evaluation of homeostasis in palatine tonsils could be helpful in referring children for tonsillectomy. Imagine analysis may objectivize and specify diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis.
