[Electrophoretic lymphocyte motility in tonsils of patients with chronic tonsillitis]

Iu V Shevchuk1

  • 1A.A. Bogomoletz National Medical University, Kiev.

Fiziolohichnyi Zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine : 1994)
|June 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Electrophoresis motility (EPM) of lymphocytes decreases in patients with chronic tonsillitis. This reduction in EPM suggests a lower number of active lymphocytes in affected individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biophysics

Context:

  • Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent inflammation of the tonsils.
  • Lymphocyte electrophoresis motility (EPM) is a biophysical property reflecting cell surface charge and membrane status.
  • Changes in lymphocyte EPM may indicate altered immune cell function.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the changes in lymphocyte electrophoresis motility (EPM) in patients with chronic tonsillitis.
  • To compare EPM values of lymphocytes from chronic tonsillitis patients with those from healthy controls.
  • To explore the relationship between EPM alterations and lymphocyte activity in chronic tonsillitis.

Summary:

  • Microelectrophoresis was used to measure the EPM of tonsil lymphocytes in healthy volunteers and chronic tonsillitis patients.
  • Lymphocytes from chronic tonsillitis patients exhibited a significant decrease (16%) in the absolute value of EPM compared to controls.
  • A higher percentage of lymphocytes with near-zero EPM was observed in patients, suggesting reduced lymphocyte activity.

Impact:

  • The study proposes that the decreased EPM in chronic tonsillitis is linked to a reduction in the number of active lymphocytes.
  • Findings may contribute to understanding the immunological dysfunction associated with chronic tonsillitis.
  • This research could inform potential diagnostic or therapeutic strategies targeting lymphocyte function.

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