Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “TONSIL”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38Linked to original sources
PubMed1975

Epstein-Barr virus associated with episodes of recurrent tonsillitis.

A group of patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis were observed during an acute episode to determine the cause of the infection. The microbial pathogen that was consistently implicated was the Epstein-Barr virus. Seventeen (65%) of 26 patients exhibited a substantial seroconversion to the early antigen of Epstein-Barr-virus-infected lymphoblastoid cells (P3HR-1). We conclude that there is a high incidence of tonsillitis associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. The propensity of the virus for the palatine tonsils, a rich source of B cells, in suggested. Furthermore, the value of monitoring early antigen titers to confirm the nature of the infection is apparent, bearing relevance to future studies of this virus.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Primary syphilis of the tonsil.

A 42-year-old patient with an ulcerative left tonsil that was not particularly painful was examined. The routine blood test for syphilis was reactive. The patient was found to have a chancre of the left tonsil. Painless ulcers of the left tonsil in a sexually active individual should be considered as possibly syphilitic.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Recurrent tonsillitis. The role of Chlamydia and Mycoplasma.

The core tissue microflora of 40 patients who underwent tonsillectomies were examined with cultures, DNA probe tests, enzyme immunoassays, and direct immunofluorescence antibody tests for Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. We believe this is the largest and most accurate prospective study that has examined the role of Chlamydia and Mycoplasma in the core tonsil tissue of patients with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. The data strongly indicate that, unlike acute tonsillopharyngitis, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma are not involved in recurrent or chronic tonsillitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The functional role of the tonsils in speech.

OBJECTIVE: To present illustrative cases showing various tonsillar influences on speech and to present a clinical method for patient evaluation establishing concepts of management and a rational therapeutic approach. DESIGN: The cases were selected from a group of approximately 1000 patients referred to the clinic because of suspected palatal diseases. Complete velopharyngeal assessment was made, including otolaryngologic, speech, and hearing examinations, polysomnography, nasendoscopy, multiview videofluoroscopy, and cephalometry. RESULTS: New observations further elucidate the intimate relation between the tonsils and the velopharyngeal valve. The potential influence of the tonsils on the velopharyngeal valve mechanism, in hindering or assisting speech, is described. CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, the decision to perform tonsillectomy depends on its potential effect on speech. The combination of nasendoscopic and multiview videofluoroscopic studies of the mechanical properties of the tonsils during speech is required for patients who present with velopharyngeal insufficiency in whom tonsillar hypertrophy is found. These studies are also required in patients with palatal anomalies who are candidates for tonsillectomy.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1999

Frequent expansion of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infected cells in germinal centres of tonsils from an area with a high incidence of EBV-associated lymphoma.

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD) occurring in developing regions are frequently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and have a high incidence in childhood. Recent genotyping studies indicate that the tumour cells of both neoplasms represent B cells that contain somatically mutated immunoglobulin heavy chain genes. This implies that the precursors of these neoplasms have participated in the germinal centre (GC) reaction. We therefore presumed that normal lymphoid tissues from children living in developing regions would harbour an increased number of EBV-infected cells within the GC, when compared with children living in industrialized nations. To test this hypothesis, hyperplastic tonsils from 40 children living in Bahia (Brazil) and 40 from German children were analysed for the presence of EBV-encoded small nuclear RNA (EBER) and EBV-encoded proteins by in situ hybridization and immunohistology, respectively. Although the overall EBV infection rate was similar in both groups (50 per cent of Bahian vs. 45 per cent of German cases), a significantly higher number of EBER-positive lymphoid cells were found in the GCs of 8/20 EBV-positive tonsils from Brazil (9-89 cells/GC; mean: 14.5 cells/GC per case), while only 3/18 tonsils from Germany displayed a few EBER positive cells (1-9 cells/GC; mean: 0.5 cell/GC per case) in this compartment (p < 0.007). In addition, the EBV-infected GC cells in Bahian samples resembled centroblasts, exhibited mitotic activity, and in two cases showed expression of EBV-encoded latent membrane protein (LMP)-1, findings not present in German samples. These data show that latently EBV-infected cells participate more frequently in GC reactions in developing regions than in industrialized countries and may abnormally express the oncogenic protein LMP-1. This could in part explain the higher incidence in this region of EBV association with lymphomas related to GC cells or their progeny, such as BL and HD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Tonsils of the soft palate of young pigs: crypt structure and lymphoepithelium.

BACKGROUND: Tonsils of the soft palate are especially important in pigs as the major pharyngeal mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue and as a portal of entry for microorganisms. They play a key role in initiating immune responses against antigens entering tonsillar crypts from the oropharynx. The aim of this study was to describe the architecture of the tonsillar crypst and the morphology of their epithelial surface. METHODS: Tissue taken from the tonsil of the soft palate of freshly-killed pigs was examined using light microscopy, electron microscopy, and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques. RESULTS: Tonsils of the soft palate in pigs are penetrated by numerous crypts which extend into, and branch extensively within, the lymphoid tissue. Stratified squamous non-keratinised epithelium covering the oropharyngeal surface is continuous with that lining the neck of crypts. Lymphoepithelium covers the tonsillar lymphoid tissue within the crypts. It consists of non-keratinised epithelial cells, M cells, goblet cells and many intraepithelial lymphoid cells. M cells have a variable surface morphology: some are covered by relatively regular and well-formed microvilli; others possess very long undulant microvilli emanating from broad membranous folds. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in M cell surface morphology occur and these may reflect alterations of the apical plasmalemma in response to antigenic stimuli. Further investigation will be required to determine molecular specializations of the apical membrane of M cells which may facilitate interactions with antigenic material.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Purification of human tonsil plasma cells: pre-enrichment step by immunomagnetic selection of CD31(+) cells.

BACKGROUND: The advancement of knowledge about the biology of human normal plasma cells (PC) is hampered by their low frequency and difficult isolation. The aim of this study is to design a way of purifying these cells. METHODS: To this end, advantage was taken of the fact that human tonsil PC expressed surface CD31 at higher levels than the rest of tonsil B cells. RESULTS: The immunomagnetic selection of CD31(+) cells from tonsil B cells increased by a factor of 12 the proportion of PC, determined as CD38(high) cells. This method recovered half of the initial number of PC, and did not alter the PC functions, because IgG secretion was similar in control B cell cultures as well as in cultures of B cells obtained at successive steps of the selection procedure. In addition, CD38(high) cells pre-enriched by this technique were readily isolated by FACS sorting and clearly identified as PC. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, immunomagnetic pre-enrichment of CD31(+) cells is an efficient method that allows the complete purification of human functional PC.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1987

Cryptococcal tonsillitis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: an unusual manifestation of cryptococcal disease.

We present a case of chronic tonsillitis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Despite empiric radiation and antibiotic therapy, the patient's sore throat and tonsillar enlargement persisted. Excisional biopsy of the involved tonsil revealed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. Blood cultures also yielded cryptococcus. Specific antifungal therapy resulted in cure. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of cryptococcal infection of the tonsil. This case illustrates the pitfalls of empiric therapy in an immunosuppressed host.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Morphology of complex lymphoepithelial organs of the anal canal ("anal tonsil") in the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus.

A complex of lymphoepithelial organs, the "anal tonsils," is a consistent structure in the anal canal of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. This complex occurs as a circumferential cluster of discrete tonsil-like aggregations of lymphoid tissues, together with epithelial ducts ("crypts") and occasional mucus secretory units in the extreme lower portion of the intestinal tract. These structures are concentrated in the segment lined by stratified squamous epithelium and extend for a variable distance cephalad from the anal aperture. The tonsils appear to be most active, judged by the amount of lymphoid tissue present, in young animals. Depletion of lymphocytes and cystic enlargement of the crypts, probably representing functional as well as morphological involution, is a consistent feature of older animals.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1980

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy on the epithelium of human palatine tonsils.

Twelve human palatine tonsils were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium lining the tonsillar crypts was shown to be stratified squamous in type, with an extensive system of channels occupying nearly the full thickness of the epithelium. The channels were infiltrated by lymphocytes, plasma cells and mononuclear phagocytic cells. Specialised surface cells, or M cells, were also seen. These had microvilli and surrounded lymphocytes which were brought very close to the crypt lumen. The presence of numerous holes in the crypt epithelium was thought to be an artefact resulting from the delicate nature of the M cells. These showed the organisation of the epithelium related to the function of the tonsil as part of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues. The tonsil has similarities to other gut-associated lymphoid organs but also has its own particular features.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Cathepsin E in follicle associated epithelium of intestine and tonsils: localization to M cells and possible role in antigen processing.

A specific rabbit anti-human serum was used selectively to localize the aspartic proteinase cathepsin E to follicle associated epithelium (FAE) of human and rat intestine, including jejunum, ileum, appendix, colon and rectum, as well as of human palatine, pharyngeal and lingual tonsils. Coexpression of class II histocompatibility antigen HLA-DR antigen has been observed in some of the cathepsin E-positive epithelial cells. In addition, cathepsin E has been detected in a few mononuclear cells of intestinal lymphoid structures and tonsils resembling interdigitating reticulum cells of lymph nodes. Another aspartic proteinase, cathepsin D, has been found to be poorly represented in FAE and intensely expressed by macrophages. Electron immunocytochemistry localized cathepsin E to endosomal vesicles and endoplasmic reticulum of M cells in rat and human ileum as well as of M-like cells in human palatine tonsil. The results suggest a possible role of endosomal cathepsin E in the processing of macromolecules and microorganisms transported by M cells and related epithelial cells to mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Preliminary characterization and distribution of vicia villosa binding cells in human tonsils.

The lectin Vicia villosa (VV) has been used for the separation of human and murine contrasuppressor T cells. These cells were characterized in cryostat sections of human palatine tonsils by double staining with VV lectin and monoclonal antibodies to macrophages, lymphocytes and their subsets using a fluorescein-rhodamine technique. VV lectin had an affinity for the CD8+ subset of lymphocytes and for a subset of macrophages within the germinal centre. The number and distribution of VV lectin binding cells was studied in paraffin sections of formalin fixed tonsils by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Positive cells in the germinal centres, mantle, interfollicular zones and fibrous connective tissue septa were quantified using an image analyser. These were found in greatest density in the interfollicular zone, correlating with the known distribution of T cells in human palatine tonsils. The binding of VV lectin to a subset of macrophages appears not to have previously been described nor have VV lectin binding CD8+ lymphocytes been demonstrated in sections of human tissues.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1988

Ciprofloxacin concentrations in tonsils following single or multiple administrations.

Penetration of ciprofloxacin into human tonsils was studied in 20 adult humans undergoing tonsilectomy. Ten patients received a single intravenous infusion of 200 mg ciprofloxacin within 15 min (group A) and 14 patients were treated orally for three days with 500 mg ciprofloxacin b.i.d. prior to a preoperative infusion of 200 mg (group B). Ciprofloxacin concentrations in serum and tonsils were determined microbiologically. Mean ciprofloxacin serum concentrations did not differ significantly between both groups. Similarly, mean distribution ratios between tonsils and serum were not dissimilar, being on average 150% irrespective of whether the drug was administered once or repeatedly. Thus, a significant accumulation of ciprofloxacin was not observed either in the intravascular or in the extravascular space.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of protein synthesis profiles in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells and B-lymphocytes from peripheral blood, cord blood and tonsil.

2D-gel electrophoresis was used to investigate protein synthesis in leukaemic cells from a series of 15 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients, and in non-malignant B-cell populations from different sources. The protein synthesis profiles of CD5+ B-cells from umbilical cord blood and from tonsil were determined, and the levels of expression of their proteins were observed to be similar to the CLL cells. The CD5- cells from cord blood resembled peripheral blood B-lymphocytes, and the protein synthesis profile of CD5- cells from tonsils was very complex. One protein was also identified which consistently appeared to be synthesised at a low level in CD5+ B-cells from tonsil but which was always more prominent in CLL cells and other non-malignant B-lymphocytes. On the basis of these data it is possible that the closest non-malignant counterpart to CLL is the CD5+ B-lymphocyte from cord blood.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

The effect of tonsillectomy on neutrophil chemotaxis in adults with chronic tonsillitis.

Neutrophil random motility and chemotactic responsiveness were determined in 17 healthy adults and 19 adult patients with chronic tonsillitis before and 10 days after tonsillectomy, using a modified Boyden chamber method. The mean chemotactic index values of the healthy controls were significantly higher when compared with the chronic tonsillitis patients before tonsillectomy. The postoperative mean chemotactic values were increased, and there was a statistically significant difference between the mean chemotactic index of neutrophils in preoperative and postoperative patients. The authors conclude that this change in host defense mechanism may be the reason for frequent attacks of acute tonsillitis in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Development and immunophenotyping of the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid) in cattle.

Immunoperoxidase staining and electron and light microscopy were used to characterize the development of the pharyngeal tonsil in 98 cattle aged between 30 days of gestation and 12 years. The rugae of the pharyngeal tonsil were poorly formed before 95 days of gestation. Microvillous (M) cells associated with intra-epithelial leucocytes (lympho-epithelium) were scattered among ciliated and goblet cells covering most of the surface in post-natal animals. Intra-epithelial leucocytes were rare in fetuses, but ciliated and M cells could be distinguished. Leucocytes of the lamina propria started to accumulate at approximately 120 days of gestation. A loose accumulation of mononuclear cells progressed into a B-cell rich upper and T-cell rich lower layer, with typical lymphoid tissue organization in post-natal animals and lymphoid involution in aged cattle. Primary lymphoid follicles formed at 5 months of gestation, but germinal centres did not form until 2 to 4 weeks after birth. Except for null cells, the relative number of cells staining for each leucocyte phenotype or MHC class II antigen increased with age, especially during the neonatal period. The early development, strategic location and specialized structure of the pharyngeal tonsil suggest an important role in modulating inhaled antigens in cattle. Fetal and neonatal calves had minimal lymphoid tissue priming, as indicated by lack of secondary follicles, low MHC class II expression and few intra-epithelial leucocytes. The phenotypic differences may be relevant to the increased susceptibility of calves to infectious diseases shortly after birth.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Bovine herpesvirus-1-induced pharyngeal tonsil lesions in neonatal and weanling calves.

The potential involvement of the pharyngeal tonsil in the pathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) infection was examined in neonatal and weanling calves infected by intranasal aerosol. Calves were monitored from days 1 to 5, and on day 6 (neonates) or 8 (weanlings) and, in a second trial at day 4.5, by histology, electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry and virus isolation. Mucosal lesions of neonates were similar to, but less extensive than, those of weanling calves. Loss of microvilli and goblet cells, with minimal epithelial erosions as early as day 1, progressed to necrosis of epithelium and adjacent lymphoid tissue, and leucocyte exudation. Lesions and clinical disease were progressive up to and including day 6 in neonates, but resolving in weanlings on days 5 and 8. By transmission electron microscopy, the physical characteristics of the phagocytic cells appeared similar in both age groups, and viral replication was not identified in leucocytes. Virus was isolated from, or found by immunocytochemistry in, the pharyngeal tonsil of all calves examined, except for two weanlings on days 1 and 8. Virus as detected by immunocytochemistry was restricted to epithelium and superficial lymphoid tissue in neonates, but was found in deep lymphoid tissue around germinal centres in weanlings. The study showed that the pharyngeal tonsil is readily infected with BHV-1 and may be an important lymphoid tissue for early anti-viral responses. The delayed inflammatory response and reduced viral clearance may contribute to the increased susceptibility of neonatal calves to fatal BHV-1 infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Interfering alpha-streptococci as a protection against recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis in children.

Recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis/pharyngitis is a great problem, especially in certain epidemiological situations. Patients treated with antibiotics often have a disturbed normal throat flora and may lack, e.g., alpha-streptococci known in vitro to have an interfering activity against group A streptococci. Thirty-one patients with recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis were given antibiotics for 10 days. At the end of this treatment they were sprayed in their mouths with four selected alpha-streptococcal strains known to have strong growth inhibiting activity in vitro against most beta-streptococci group A. The follow-up period after this colonization was 3 months. After alpha-streptococcal treatment, none of the patients attracted a new tonsillitis during the follow-up period while 8% of the controls had a second tonsillitis. Treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis/pharyngitis with antibiotics followed by recolonization with alpha-streptococci seems to hinder further recurrences.

Adult↗