[Expression of human beta-defensin in palatine tonsil].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the expression of human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1) and human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) in palatine tonsil of normal subjects and patients with chronic tonsillitis, and to investigate the role of palatine tonsil in the innate immunity system.


METHODS
Eighteen specimens of hyperplastic tonsils (n = 8) and chronic tonsillitis(n = 10) were examined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).


RESULTS
beta-defensin 1 mRNA was expressed in all tissue specimens, at levels that did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). beta-defensin 2 mRNA was detected in the specimens of chronic tonsillitis, but almost not in the normal subjects. Its expression level was significantly higher in chronic inflamed tonsils than in normal controls(P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that beta-defensin of the palatine tonsil may play an important role in innate defense against microorganisms.
Wang
Chengshuo
C
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin, University, Changchun, 130031, China.
Dong
Zhen
Z
Yang
Zhanquan
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000378:metabolism*; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
C406407:DEFB1 protein, human; C106641:DEFB4A protein, human; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D023083:beta-Defensins