Increased occurrence of IgE+ and FcepsilonRI+ cells in adenoids from atopic children.

Abstract

To examine the influence of atopy on the different cell populations in adenoids, we investigated the presence of IgE+ cells, cells expressing the high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc(epsilon)RI), and various other cell populations in adenoid tissue, in atopic and nonatopic children with otitis media with effusion (OME) or adenoid hyperplasia (AH). Cryostat sections of adenoids from 14 atopic and 16 nonatopic children suffering from long-lasting OME (n=15) or obstructive AH (n=15) were investigated with immunohistochemical markers for T-cell subsets, mast cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, CD25, CD1a, IgE, and Fc(epsilon)RI. Sensitization to allergens was correlated to an increase of IgE+ cells in the epithelium (P<0.01), the extrafollicular area (P<0.0001), and the follicles (P<0.001) of the adenoids and an increase of Fc(epsilon)RI+ cells in the extrafollicular area (P<0.01). A minority of the IgE+ cells were plasma cells. No significant differences in cells stained for IgE, Fc(epsilon)RI, or the other markers were observed between patients with OME and AH. Atopy is associated with increased numbers of IgE+ and Fc(epsilon)RI+ cells in adenoids irrespective of whether the child has OME or AH.