Immunohistological study on immunocompetent cells in palatine tonsil and pharyngeal tonsil--the quantitative study by image analyzer

Distribution of various immunocompetent cells, i.e., IgG-, IgM-, IgA-, IgD-, IgE-, CD4-, and CD8-positive cells in palatine tonsils (tonsils) and pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids) of same patients were investigated immunohistologically by using monoclonal antibodies. The proportion of Ig-positive cells and T cell subsets in both tonsils were quantitatively studied by the image analyzer (CUE-2, Olympus, USA). The results were summarized as follows: 1) There was no significant difference in proportions of Ig-positive cells and T cell subsets between tonsils and adenoids. 2) IgG- and IgD-positive cells in the tonsils were significantly increased in cases with recurrent tonsillitis than in those with simple tonsillar hypertrophy. 3) Number of IgA2-positive cells were significantly changed, i.e., decreased in the subepithelial area of tonsils and increased in the interfollicular area of adenoids in cases complicated with otitis media with effusion. 4) In cases complicated with nasal allergy, IgE-positive cells were significantly increased in the interfollicular area in both of those tonsils and adenoids. These results indicate that the image analyzer will be a breakthrough in quantitative study on the immunohistology of tonsils and adenoids and give us useful informations about roles of the tonsil and the adenoid on the local immunity of the upper respiratory airway.     

Muramidase and lactoferrin in adenoidal hypertrophies, hypertrophic and chronic infected tonsil tissue--a quantitative analysis

BACKGROUND: Muramidase and lactoferrin are important components of the antimicrobial defense system. Muramidase has the ability of opsonization and immunopotentiation and therefore a close relation to the lymphatic tissue. Till now there are only immunohistochemical and microbiological studies on the presence of muramidase and lactoferrin in adenoid and tonsil tissue available. METHOD: We investigated the concentrations of muramidase and lactoferrin in palatine tonsils and adenoidal hypertrophies quantitatively using ELISA. MATERIAL: We investigated tissue of 18 palatine tonsils and 16 pharyngeal tonsils. RESULTS: We found a significant difference in the concentration of muramidase but no difference in the concentration of lactoferrin between adenoids and tonsils. There was no significant difference in the concentration of lactoferrin and muramidase between the hypertrophic and chronic infected tonsils. There was no correlation between the age of the patients and the concentration of muramidase and lactoferrin. A connection between the microbial biofilm, the concentration of the proteins and the recurrent tonsillitis is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the production of muramidase and lactoferrin adenoids and tonsils play an important role in the local antimicrobial defense in any age or inflammation.     

Distribution characteristics of immunoglobulin-secreting cells in adenoids. Relationship to age and disease.

Forty-four adenoids and 52 palatine tonsils from 71 children and adolescents (age 3-21 years) undergoing surgery because of adenoidal hypertrophy or recurrent tonsillitis were examined for the presence of immunoglobulin-secreting cells (ISC) employing an enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT). ISC constituted less than 2% of the mononuclear cell population. Adenoids contained IgG, IgA, and IgM ISC in significantly lower numbers than palatine tonsils. The predominant isotype of the ISC was IgG, in adenoids accounting for 62% of the ISC and in palatine tonsils for 73%. The relative numbers for IgA and IgM ISC were similar. A significant correlation existed between autologous adenoids and palatine tonsils for the numbers of IgA and IgM ISC, but not for the numbers of IgG cells. These observations suggest that, adenoid and palatine tonsils display similar immunoglobulin distribution patterns within a single individual. However, individuals with hypertrophied adenoids exhibited a numeric decrease in IgG ISC with increasing age (P less than 0.01). Both lymphoid tissues may be involved in mucosal immune defense.     

腭扁桃体中β-防御素的表达及意义

目的 :检测人β 防御素 (hBD) 1,2mRNA在慢性扁桃体炎组织和正常对照组织中的表达 ,分析腭扁桃体在天然免疫中的作用。方法 :应用逆转录聚合酶链反应技术检测 10例扁桃体炎组和 8例正常对照组中hBD 1和hBD 2mRNA的表达。结果 :hBD 1mRNA在扁桃体炎组和正常对照组中均有表达 ,且两组间差异无统计学意义 (P >0 .0 5 )。hBD 2mRNA在正常对照组中仅有微弱表达 ,而在扁桃体炎组中表达明显增强 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :扁桃体通过表达hBD在天然免疫中发挥重要作用。     

Effect of the palatine tonsils size on acute illness of the respiratory tract in children, youth and young adults

The palatine tonsils are cluster of lymphatic tissue located at the border of the respiratory system and the digestive system. Hypertrophy of palatine tonsils is the consequence of the stimulation of the children's immunological system by antigens of the breathing air and food intake. The aim of this study is the estimation of the size of the palatine tonsils depends on the age and the estimation of the correlation between size of the palatine tonsils and the frequency of otitis media and sinusitis in children, youth and young adults. 326 children divided into three groups: group I aged 3-6, group II aged 7-14, group III aged 15-22. We examined the oral cavity, the throat, the nose and the ears. The size of palatine tonsils was qualified according to Pirquet's classification. The questionnaire was included. The fifth degree of the size of the palatine tonsils observed more often in youngest group then in the other. Otitis media occurs in 80% children with fifth degree of the size of the palatine tonsils and in 50% children with I, II, III degree. The sinusitis was the most frequent in group of children with I and II degree of the palatine tonsils. In group of children with fifth degree sinusitis didn't occur. The size of the palatine tonsils can influence occurring and frequency of otitis media but it doesn't influence occurring and frequency of sinusitis.     

The role of biofilms in otolaryngologic infections: update 2007

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Biofilms have been shown to play a role in otitis media, sinusitis, cholesteatoma, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, and device infections. This article is written to review recent advances in the field. RECENT FINDINGS: The role of biofilms in the persistence of chronic, mucosal-based ENT-related infections was first recognized in otitis media. Definitive proof was lacking until the demonstration of bacterial biofilms on the middle-ear mucosa of children, not only with chronic otitis media with effusion, but also with recurrent otitis media. Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cholesteatoma are avid biofilm formers. Biofilms have been reported in the adenoids of children with chronic rhinosinusitis, helping to explain the clinical observation that adenoidectomy can be beneficial to children with chronic otitis or chronic rhinosinusiti. Additional studies have confirmed the presence of biofilms in chronic tonsillitis. Biofilms have also been shown to be involved in infected cochlear implants and tracheotomy tubes. SUMMARY: The recognition that chronic otolaryngologic bacterial infections are biofilm related has been the impetus for the development of new technologies for the study of biofilms and their prevention and treatment. Understanding that chronic bacterial infections are biofilm related is fundamental to developing rationale strategies for treatment and prevention.     

Late effects of long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation on lymphoid pharyngeal system in children

The examination of 468 children and adolescents estimated frequency and structure of chronic pathology of the pharyngeal ring in long-term exposure to low-dose radiation. Chronic disease of the tonsils and adenoids was detected in 194 children (45.4%). Chronic tonsillitis was diagnosed in 142 (33.3%) examinees. 31.7 and 59.9% cases had compensated and subcompensated disease. Decompensated process took place in 8.5% cases of chronic tonsillitis. Hypertrophy of the palatine tonsils and adenoids was detected in 96 (22.5%) children. High incidence of lymphadenopathy of the neck in combination with chronic tonsillitis and tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy was found. Structure of chronic pathology of the lymphoid pharyngeal ring correlated with internal radiation dose. Comparison of postnatally and antenatally radiated children demonstrated less frequent incidence of affected lymphoid pharyngeal ring in children born before the Chernobyl accident.     

Anatomy and physiology of the palatine tonsils,adenoids, and lingual tonsils

ObjectiveThis review aims to discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils, with reference to how this foundational understanding may affect patient management and surgical procedures in these regions of the upper airway.MethodsA literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar using the MeSH terms tonsils, adenoids, anatomy, physiology, and adenotonsillectomy. Primary sources were excluded if they were abstracts only, non-English language, or non-human studies. Thirty-five sources were included in this review.Results and conclusionsThe pharyngeal and palatine tonsils are compact yet physiologically complex mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues that make up a portion of Waldeyer's ring. As part of the mucosal immune system, these structures function in exogenous antigen sampling and stimulation of immune responses. Aberrant immune activation and/or regulation can lead to a myriad of pathologies, with adenotonsillar hypertrophy, chronic tonsillitis/adenoiditis, and recurrent otitis media among the most commonly encountered conditions by otolaryngologists. While the pathophysiology of these conditions is still incompletely understood, current evidence and future investigations may reveal patterns amenable to targeted medical management. When medical management fails, tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy may be indicated for patient care. Though routine procedures, the execution of tonsil and/or adenoid removal requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of these lymphoepithelial organs so as to minimize the risk for rare serious complications that can occur.     

Expression of receptor CD23+ on B lymphocytes in hypertrophied adenoids of children with otitis media with effusion

Tonsil pharyngeal is stimulated chronic by pathogens can be causes this hypertrophied; whose often is companions to otitis media with effusion. Subpopulation dominates in tonsil pharyngeal are lymphocytes B, and their markers activation are expression of antigen CD23+. The aim of this study was finding dependence between otitis media with effusion and coexistent hypertrophy adenoids, and percentage of lymphocytes CD19+ with expression of antigen CD23+ in hypertrophy adenoids. In the study showed higher significant percentage of lymphocytes CD19+ CD23+ at children in otitis media with effusion (20.08+/-2.93) with reference to comparative group, which was only hypertrophy adenoid (18.16+/-2.25). Percentage lymphocytes B (CD23+) were the highest (20.01+/-5.81) in children subgroup above 5 years old with otitis media with effusion, and lowest (17.36+/-2.78) in children comparative subgroup above 5 years old. As regards on different functions of antigen CD23+ the assessment of percentage lymphocytes B with expression of CD23+ can be additional marker in course immunological and inflammatory processes to occur in hypertrophy adenoids at children are sick otitis media with effusion.     

Are the tonsils and adenoids a reservoir of infection in otitis media with effusion (glue ear)?

In a prospective investigation of the treatment of glue ear in children, the possible role of persistent infection in the tonsils and adenoids was assessed by comparing bacterial cultures of swabs and resected tissue from the tonsils and adenoids of patients with cultures of swabs from similar sites in control subjects without ENT abnormality. For almost all potential pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, no statistically significant differences were demonstrated between patients and controls. The same was true of Streptococcus pyogenes in tonsil specimens, while in adenoid specimens rather more isolates were obtained in patients than controls. This difference was just statistically significant at the 5% level, but only when all isolations, including very scanty growths, were compared. On present evidence, persistent infection should not be invoked to explain the success of adenoidectomy in otitis media with effusion or to justify adenotonsillectomy.     

Bacterial invasion of the tonsillar tissues in acute pharyngotonsillitis and in the adenoid: a preliminary study

In order to understand the immunological and inflammatory processes in which the tonsils are involved it is necessary to know the spatial relation between bacteria and the tissues. In this study four adenoids and four palatine tonsils obtained at elective surgery and four palatine tonsils obtained during a chaud surgery for quinsy were examined histologically. Acridine orange and fluorescence microscopy were used to identify bacteria in tonsillar tissue. The adenoids were also stained with haematoxillin-eosin. Bacteria were in every case seen on the surfaces and in the crypts of the tonsils and adenoids. In the tissues, however, bacteria were never seen irrespective of whether the tonsils were obtained during an acute infection or not. We conclude that bacterial invasion in tonsillar tissue is neither a prerequisite for a clinically manifest acute bacterial pharyngotonsillitis nor a common feature in tonsils clinically recognized as non-infected.     

Cellular immune response of adenoidal and tonsillar lymphocytes to the P6 outer membrane protein of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae and its relation to otitis media.

Cellular immune responses to the P6 outer membrane protein of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) were determined in vitro by measuring immunoglobulin (Ig) secreting cells and lymphocyte proliferation in adenoidal and tonsillar lymphocytes from 19 children. Preliminary tests showed that P6 did not stimulate naive cells such as cord blood lymphocytes, but did stimulate sensitized cells in adenoids and tonsils. Cellular proliferation was significantly higher in adenoidal lymphocytes than in tonsillar lymphocytes (median: quadratile of stimulation index = 3.7:2.3-5.5 vs. 1.2:1.0-2.1, p < 0.02). A comparison between children with or without otitis media revealed that proliferative responses to P6 of adenoidal lymphocytes from children with otitis media were significantly decreased (2.0:1.8-3.6 vs. 3.7:2.3-5.5, p < 0.04). P6-specific antibody secreting cells were identified in a total of 14 adenoids and the number of cells secreting IgA was decreased in the otitis media group compared to controls (median: quadratile/10(6) cells = 435:359-499 vs. 755:593-1870, p < 0.05). Cultivation with P6 stimulated IgA secretion in children without otitis media, while no response was seen in children with otitis media (median: quadratile/10(6) cells = 1323:915-2410 vs. 2240:1900-2830, p < 0.02). These preliminary data demonstrate that lymphocytes from adenoids and tonsils recognize P6 as a specific antigen and that the adenoid is the more reactive of the two organs. Impaired P6-specific cellular immune responses of adenoids in children with otitis media may explain the recurrent nature of otitis media due to NTHi in the otitis prone population.     

Subpopulation of adenoidal lymphocytes of recurrent infection in the upper respiratory tract

A subpopulation of adenoidal lymphocytes was determined by the E-and EAC-rosetting techniques in order to study an immunological profile of adenoids in 61 children with recurrent otitis media, rhinosinusitis or recurrent tonsillitis.Though there was no significant difference in E- and EAC-rosette forming cells of adenoid tissues from children with recurrent infection in the upper respiratory tract, our results indicated the following. (1) A higher proportion of EAC-rosette forming cells (EAC-RFC) without a change of E-RFC was found in the adenoids of children with recurrent tonsillitis than those without it. (2) The percentage of EAC-RFC appears to increase proportionally to the size of adenoid viewed on the X-ray film. (3) The higher percentage was more remarkable in cases with rhinosinusitis and recurrent otitis media. From the data obtained it is concluded that adenoids may play some part in immunity responses against infection in the upper respiratory tract reflecting adenoidal hypertrophy.     

Cytokines locally produced by lymphocytes removed from the hypertrophic nasopharyngeal and palatine tonsils

OBJECTIVE: Human palatine tonsils and the nasopharyngheal tonsil are the largest components of the Waldeyer's ring. Subepithelial and intraepithelial lymphocytes of human adenoids and tonsils are responsible for the local and the systemic immune response. We studied the cytokine production by lymphoid cells isolated from 16 nasopharyngeal tonsils (adenoid) and 9 palatine tonsils surgically removed by from 25 children (aged from 4 to 15 years) suffering from tonsil hypertrophy. METHODS: We evaluated (by the cytometry method, using BD Bioscience kits, San Diego, CA) the concentration of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TNF(alpha) and IFN(gamma) released from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MC) (activated or not activated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)) cultured in vitro during 72 h. The fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis was also performed and the percentage of mononuclear cells (unstimulated or activated by phorbol acetate during 24 h) stained with the monoclonal antibodies anti-CD3 containing the intracellular cytokines was calculated. RESULTS: The increased secretion of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, TNF(alpha) and IFN(gamma) from PHA activated palatine origin immune cell cultures, as compared to adenoids, was revealed. The higher mobilization (Delta%) of CD3+ T-lymphocytes containing IL-12 in palatine cell cultures (798.5+/-276.29%), in comparison with to the adenoids (298.5+/-49.16%; p< or =0.05), was also noted. CONCLUSION: In palatine tonsils, as compared to adenoids, the cellular immune (Th1) response dominates over humoral immune (Th2) reaction.     

Alteration of adenoid tissue alkaline and acid phosphatase in children with secretory otitis media

OBJECTIVE: The role of pharyngeal lymphoid tissue in etiopathogenesis of secretory otitis is not yet defined. The influence of tonsillar and adenoid mass, weight, obstruction of naspharyngeal orrifitium, bacterial reservoire or some immunological events are of scientific interest. Tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) are enzymes detected in lymphoid tissue, TNAP as characteristic of B cells, ACP as a characteristic of macrophages and folucullardentritic cells. These enzymes interfere in cell metabolism by removing 5' phosphate group from nucleotides and proteins. Specific activity and kinetic properties were studied in palatinal tonsils and adenoids of children with secretory otitis (OME) and compared with children with recurrent tonsillitis without ear involvement. METHOD: Adenoid and tonsillar tissue of l7 children with OME and 30 children with recurrent tonsillitis were subjected to biochemical investigation using method of releasing of p-nitrophenol from p-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP). Kinetic parameters as Michaelis-Menten constant were calculated by non-linear regression estimation method. RESULTS: Specific activity of adenoid alkaline phosphatase was lower in children with OME in relation to children with recurrent tonsillitis (t=5.733507, p<0.01). Specific activity of adenoid acid phosphatase was also lower in children with OME (t=3.655456, p<0.01). pH optimum for both enzymes was the same in these two groups of children. Michaelis-Menten constant for both enzymes was significantly higher in adenoid of children with OME than in children with recurrent tonsillitis suggesting lower enzyme affinity for the substrate. CONCLUSION: Differences in specific activities and kinetic properties of adenoid alkaline and acid phosphatases between children with OME and children with recurrent tonsillitis without OME were verified in this study. The results of the study are not able to explain the alteration of alkaline and acid phosphatase characteristics but could point to some possible and specific role of nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue in pathogenesis of secretary otitis.     

Adenoid infection: its relationship to otitis media, glue ear and tonsillitis

In a prospective study, 69 children admitted for adenoidectomy were divided into 4 subgroups according to their symptomatology. These were: nasal obstruction alone; glue ear; recurrent ear aches and probable otitis media; and recurrent sore throats and probable tonsillitis. The adenoids removed were bacteriologically analysed to assess both the spectrum of organisms present and the colony counts per gram of adenoid tissue (10(5) organisms per gram was regarded as representing infection). There was no significant difference between the subgroups with regard to either the presence of infection or the spectrum of organisms grown. We conclude that while infection in the adenoid bed must be involved in the pathogenesis of bacterial otitis media, the concentration of organisms present in the adenoids is unimportant and other factors must be responsible for the migration of organisms up the Eustachian tube.     

A newly discovered function of palatine tonsils in immune defence: the expression of defensins

The palatine tonsils have an undoubted role in the immune defence system. After antigen contact an effective adaptive immune response by B- and T-cell lymphocytes will be released. In addition the palatine tonsils seem to exert influence to the defence by the innate immune system. Therefore, we studied the ability of palatine tonsils to express different alpha and beta defensins and to find out any distinctions in chronic inflamed tonsils. Total RNA of 49 specimens of hyperplastic tonsils and chronic tonsillitis with pathological provided evidence of Actinomyces israelii was isolated using TRIzol protocol, reverse transcribed and the HNP-1, HNP-4, HBD-1 and HBD-2 gene expression densitometric determined, standardised in relation to glycerinaldehyd-3-phosphatdehydrogenase gene expression, after a semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed. mRNA of HNP-1, HNP-4, HBD-1 and HBD-2 was detected in tissue samples, but their amount differed within the two defensin families and tissue of origins. HBD-1 was detected in all 49 tissues of hyperplastic tonsils and chronic tonsillitis. Only in chronic inflamed tonsils the amount of HBD-2 mRNA expression was significant increased. In these specimens also mean relative expression rate of all defensins was observed to be manifestly increased. Palatine tonsils express mRNA for different alpha and beta defensins and this expression suggest a newly supposed function in immune defence: the participation in the innate, non-adaptive immune system. Thus, palatine tonsils have a potentially influence in the growth and control of the physiological mouth bacteria by their bactericidal activity.     

睡眠呼吸障碍儿童扁桃体及腺样体组织细菌学分析

目的　探讨睡眠呼吸障碍（sleep disordered breathing,SDB）儿童扁桃体及腺样体组织的细菌学特点。方法　经多导睡眠图监测确诊的163例SDB患儿纳入研究,其中120例同时接受扁桃体及腺样体切除术,4例接受单纯扁桃体切除术,39例接受单纯腺样体切除术,124例接受扁桃体切除术的患儿按照有无扁桃体炎反复发作的病史分为两组,扁桃体炎组71例和无扁桃体炎组53例。术中取部分扁桃体和（或）腺样体组织进行细菌学检查。结果　120例患儿中的114例（95.00%）两个部位分离出的细菌种类相同,120例中有17例（14.17%）两个部位均感染了两种细菌,混合感染的细菌种类均相同。在各个季节两个部位中金黄色葡萄球菌和流感嗜血杆菌的检出率无显著性差异（扁桃体：χ2=8.538,P =0.201;腺样体：χ2=5.427,P =0.490）。有无慢性扁桃体炎病史的扁桃体组织内的各种细菌检出率无显著性差异（χ2=3.028,P =0.387）。结论　同一个SDB患儿的扁桃体和腺样体组织检出的细菌种类几乎相同,有无慢性扁桃体炎病史的扁桃体组织内的不同细菌检出率无显著性差异。     

儿童腺样体切除术对相关疾病转归的影响

目的探讨腺样体切除术在治疗儿童分泌性中耳炎、鼻窦炎及鼾症的临床作用。方法对住院行腺样体切除术的68例分泌性中耳炎、鼻窦炎及鼾症患儿的临床表现、治疗方法和预后进行回顾性分析。结果68例患儿经切除肥大的腺样体,辅以相应的药物治疗,临床症状均明显好转。结论腺样体肥大较易成为儿童分泌性中耳炎、鼻窦炎及鼾症发病的基础因素。切除肥大的腺样体是治疗儿童分泌性中耳炎、鼻窦炎及鼾症有效、安全的方法。     

Adenoids and tonsils, indications for surgery and immunological consequences of surgery

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures are among the oldest surgical procedures still performed today. Tonsils and adenoids are part of Waldeyer's ring, the basic function of which is antibody formation. Because of their location at the portal of entry of many airborne and alimentary antigens, the tonsils and adenoids often have been considered as the first line of defense against respiratory infections. Indications for adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy are to date still controversial. The two main indications for tonsillectomy are upper airway obstruction due to tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent acute or chronic tonsillitis. Adenoid hypertrophy with upper airway or eustachian tube obstruction and recurrent acute or chronic adenoiditis or otitis media are main indications to perform an adenoidectomy. The possible immunological effects of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are still controversial. Some authors have found changes in immunoglobulin levels after tonsillectomy, while others failed to find significant changes. In a review of long-term follow-up studies, the authors showed that while tonsillectomy may lead to certain changes in the cellular and humoral immune system, these alterations are clinically insignificant and no increased frequency of immunomodulated diseases should be expected.