Immunoglobulin-secreting cells in the surface secretion on the pharyngeal tonsils

As B-lymphocytes on the pharyngeal tonsils constitute a considerable parr o f the leukocytes in the surface secretion, and their biological role is obs cure, we explored their possible Function with respect to immunoglobulin pr oduction. Twenty children scheduled for routine adenoidectomy participated. Surface secretion from 10 children was analysed For presence of plasma cel ls and cells from the secretions of the other 10 children were tested in en zyme-linked immunosorbent spot assays (ELISPOT-assays) for their capacity t o secrete and produce IgA, IgM and IgG. Plasma cells and cells that secrete d IgA, IgM and IgG respectively were present in the secretions of ail teste d children. In eight of ten children the IgG immunocytes, Ig-producing blas ts and plasma cells, outnumbered the IgA immunocytes. The number of immunog lobulin secreting cells (ISCs) was reduced by half or more in cell suspensi ons exposed to rhs reversible protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide., I t is concluded that immunocytes that produce and secrete immunoglobulin are present in the surface secretion on the pharyngeal tonsils. The production represents an addition to the immunoglobulins transported to the secretion by the poly-Ig receptor and by passive diffusion. The results shed new lig ht on the pathogenesis of mucosal infections in the upper airways.