The immunological function of the adenoid. The proportions of T and B cells.

The proportions of T and B cells in lymphocyte suspensions prepared from peripheral blood and adenoids from children undergoing adenoidectomy were determined, using Ig fluorescence and E rosetting techniques. The proportion of B cells is higher in the adenoid than in the blood, and the proportion of T cells is correspondingly lower. Preliminary results of stimulations of adenoid lymphocytes by antural antigens, such as N. catarrhalis, indicate that both mitogenic and antigenic responses are induced. Separation of lymphocyte suspensions on leucopac, and subsequent stimulation by N. catarrhalis and PHA result in abolition of the response to N. catarrhalis, indicating that reaction to this natural antigen is a B cell function.