Functional morphology of tonsillar crypts in recurrent tonsillitis
Maeda, S.; Mogi, G.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum 416: 7-19
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0365-5237 PMID: 6598276 Document Number: 237067
The cryptal epithelia contained three types of micropores (termed microcrypt) in association with free cells. Type III microcrypts appeared between ordinary epithelial cells with microridges and "specialized epithelial cells". The specialized epithelial cells consist of ciliated cells and non-ciliated cells having secretory granules and pinocytotic vesicles. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was taken up by phagocytes which protruded from the microcrypt and the superficial squamous epithelial cells with pinocytotic vesicles of idiopathic hypertrophic tonsils. It is suggested that Type III microcrypts have two contradictory functions. One is an active absorption of exogenous antigens; and the other is an exclusion of exogenous invasions according to mucociliary function. In recurrent tonsillitis, HRP was remarkably detected in the dilated stratified squamous epithelial clefts, epithelial tunnels, subepithelial layers and in the lumen of the high endothelial venules. The occurrence of sclerotic germinal centres in recurrent tonsillitis, and in focal infection, was greater than in idiopathic tonsillar hypertrophy, whereas the incidence in appearance of specialized epithelial cells was less frequent in acute tonsillitis than in recurrent tonsillitis, and in focal infection.