Abstract：Objective This study examined T lymphocyte phenotype and function in the peripheral blood of children with chronic tonsillitis in order to provide a basis for uncovering the pathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis. Methods The expressions of surface markers of T cell subsets, B cells and NK cells and expressions of membrane molecule of activated T cells(CD3 +/HLA-DR + T and CD3 +/CD25 +) were assayed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry in 27 children with chronic tonsillitis (Study group) and 21 healthy children (Control group). Meanwhile, the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were detected using ELISA. Results CD4 + cells and CD3 +/HLA-DR + activated T cells were expressed in 25.4%± 4.5% and 3.9%±1.6% in the Study group but 28.6% ± 4.4% and 5.7%±1.9% in the Control group (P<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). The ratio of CD +4/CD8 + of T cells in the Study group was significantly decreased compared with the Control group (0.92 ± 0.18 vs 1.17 ± 0.30,P<0.01). CD19 + B cells were expressed at a lower level in the Study group (9.9% ±3.0% vs 13.1%± 5.6%, P<0.05). The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ related to Th1 cells function were also significantly lower in the Study group than those in the Control group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the number of CD3 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, CD3 +/CD25 + T cells and CD3 -/CD (16+56) + NK cells between the two groups.Conclusions There are lower CD4 + cell expression and B cell expression, and T cell dysfunction and Th1 cell dysfunction may be present in children with chronic tonsillitis, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of recurrent tonsillitis.
