ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: B-lymphocytes and other phagocytes which infiltrate into inflammatory sites in pathologic condition are able to make reactive oxygen species such as superoxide free radicals (SFRs) which have toxic effects on foreign bodies including bacteria as well as normal eukaryotic cells. To prevent harmful effects of SFRs, eukaryotic cells can produce antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective system of pediatric palatine tonsils and adenoids against the SFRs and to evaluate the clinical factors including otitis media with effusion that are related to the expressions and activities of copper zinc superoxide dismutases (CuZnSODs) in these tissues. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-one children who were operated for enlarged tonsils and adenoid with or without otitis media with effusion (OME) from December 1999 to Feburary 2000 were studied. Physcial fidings were evaluated and history-taking was carried out. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry stain against CuZnSOD were conducted. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that CuZnSODs were found in the crypt epithelium, mucous membrane, mantle zone and in the extrafollicular area of pediatric adenoids as well as palatine tonsils. There were significant correlations between the presence of OME, paranasal sinusitis and the expression of CuZnSOD of adenoid (p<0.05), the frequency of tonsillitis, recent tonsillitis and the expression of CuZnSOD of tonsils (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: In pediatric tonsils and adenoids, the mechanism of tissue protection against infection and frequent inflammatory reactions may be closely related to the CuZnSODs expression.