Localization and Morphology of Antigen-Presenting Cells in the Adenoid of Children with Otitis Media with Effusion

• Published in: Clinical immunology and immunopathology 1995-01, Vol.74 (1), p.59-69
• Main Authors: van Nieuwkerk, E.B.J., van der Baan, S., Hoefsmit, E.C.M., Kamperdijk, E.W.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acid Phosphatase - analysis; Adenoids - immunology; Adenoids - pathology; Analysis of the immune response. Humoral and cellular immunity; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antigen-Presenting Cells - cytology; B-Lymphocytes - cytology; B-Lymphocytes - immunology; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Dendritic Cells - cytology; Dendritic Cells - immunology; Ear, auditive nerve, cochleovestibular tract, facial nerve: diseases, semeiology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Immunobiology; Immunohistochemistry; Infant; Male; Medical sciences; Microscopy, Electron; Miscellaneous; Non tumoral diseases; Otitis Media with Effusion - immunology; Otitis Media with Effusion - pathology; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Regulatory factors and their cellular receptors
• ISSN: 0090-1229; 1090-2341
• DOI: 10.1006/clin.1995.1009

This study describes the localization of antigen-presenting cells (APC) in the different compartments in adenoids of children with otitis media with effusion (OME) and "healthy" children and adults. It is shown that the adenoid of children with OME contains a relatively high number of OKT6 and RFD1 positive cells. Moreover, accumulations of these cells are present in the extrafollicular areas of these adenoids. Very occasionally dendritic cells in the epithelial microenvironment contain Birbeck granules, indicating characteristic Langerhans cells. These OKT6 positive cells are not seen in the adenoids of the control group. Our results clearly show a relation between the presence of dendritic cells and the occurrence of OME. No differences are seen in localization and morphology of the APC in the studied adenoids.