Description of Age-Depending Cellular Changes in the Human Tonsil

Abstract

The growth and ageing of tonsils is described by means of the behaviour of the cell count, T cell count, DNA, and organ weight. Proliferation of cells and the influx of recirculating T lymphocytes cause hyperplasia up to the age of 17 approximately, later on the cell count and organ weight decrease again. The number of T cells in cell suspensions from the tonsil is lower than that of blood. Due to the proliferation decrease of B cells and the accumulation of recirculating T lymphocytes, the T cell count in the tonsil increases with advancing years. The tonsil function decreases as a result of this population shift. No influence of the differentiation of T cells by the tonsil can be detected.

Appendectomy increased the risk of ischemic heart disease

“…Although the association persisted in different age groups, slightly higher risk was observed for those aged 18e39 y, possibly reflecting the fact that the lymphoid mass and function of the appendix were relatively more evident in younger age and might then drop with time [7,14,15]. The findings here on increased risk of IHD within 3 y following an appendectomy may involve an intriguing and biologically plausible process.…”

Evidence for Selective Proliferation and Histological Localisation of B Lymphocytes in the Human Tonsil

“…As described elsewhere we were able to prove with the formation of active-rosettes that there is no substantial differentiation of T lymphocytes taking place in the tonsil (Siegel, 1978b). a-naphthyl acetate esterase is a marker for T-helper cells (Lydyard et ai, \91S\Moretta étal., 1977).…”

Association of chronic and acute inflammation of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue with psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior

“…Individuals with an outcome record before age 20 years were excluded. The rationale to start the follow-up for incident cases of outcomes from the age of 10 years and the age of 20 years, respectively, was based on descriptions of the tonsils and the caecal appendix being mostly physiologically active during childhood and adolescence 16,39 , and in line with previous studies 24,25 .…”