Profile of immunoglobulin production in adenoid and tonsil lymphocytes.

The adenoids and tonsils are thought to be essential parts of the system protecting against pathogens invading the upper respiratory tracts. We have examined IgA-spot forming cells (SFC) as well as IgG- and IgM-SFC in human adenoid and tonsil lymphocytes. The majority of SPC were revealed to be IgG type in adenoid and tonsil lymphocytes. However, when the changes in the number of SFC were examined following 6 days of incubation in the presence of LPS and Con A, an increase in IgA-SFC was noted in both adenoid and tonsillar lymphocytes, suggesting that adenoid and tonsillar lymphocytes differentiate into IgA forming cells under appropriate conditions.