title: Immunological aspects of tonsils and of tonsillitis.
abstract: The human tonsils are responsible for the final antigen-induced differentiation of B-cells to plasma cells. Their main function could be the expansion of memory IgA-B-cells, allowing J-chain expression and final differentiation under secondary signals. IgA/J+-cells have been shown to migrate into mucosal membranes, allowing a protection against microorganisms. Recurrent tonsillitis obviously interferes with this complex immunological network, possibly resulting in a reduced mucosal protection by IgA. Furthermore, bacterial antigens can initiate the liberation of biochemical inflammatory mediators. Among these, arachidonic acid products can play a key role. They can induce epithelial damage and decreased ciliary function. Furthermore, they influence tonsillar immunological reactions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tübingen, W. Germany.
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Zenner
authors.forename: F X
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Brunner
mesh_terms: D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007144:Immunoglobulin J-Chains / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007144:Immunoglobulin J-Chains; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D016718:Arachidonic Acid