Abstract
Immunoglobulin (Ig)-producing cells, T cells (CD 3) and epithelial expression of secretory component (SC) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (HLA-DR, -DP and -DQ) were studied by immunohistochemistry to obtain information on the ontogenesis of the tracheal mucosal immune system. Fourteen fetal and 13 postnatal carina specimens obtained at autopsi were examined. SC was present in the tracheal wall in small amounts during the fetal period and showed increased expression towards delivery. A few IgM- and IgG-producing cells were present in 40% of the fetal specimens wheras no IgA-producing cells were seen. Intraepithelial CD3+ T-cells were found in 4 prenatal specimens. They increased rapidly in number after birth with a concomitant increase in IgA-, IgM-pcoducing cells and epithelial SC expression. Epithelial MHC class II expression was absent in fetal specimens. In the postnatal specimens, HLA-DP and -DQ were absent wheras HLA-DR was extensively expressed on the apical border of the surface epithelium from the first week of life.
Conclusion: SC synthesis is independant of the B-cell system. Epithelial HLA-DR determinantes, CD3+ T-cells and IgA immunocytes apparently reflect a respons to environmental factors.
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Stoltenberg, L., Thrane, P. & Rognum, T. ONTOGENY OF TRACHEAL IMMUNITY IN THE FETAL PERIOD AND THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE. Pediatr Res 32, 623 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00110
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00110