Concentration of Immunoglobulins in the Tonsils

Abstract

The concentration of various immunoglobulins (Ig) in the faucial tonsil was determined and expressed as a portion of the total protein content. The highest levels were those of IgG. The concentration of IgA rises with age, while that of IgM falls. IgE was relatively high, and the highest levels of all Ig examined were noted in hypertrophied tonsils. They were lowest in the atrophic tonsils of children and in adult tonsils. The results are discussed in their relevance to the overall immunological function of the faucial tonsil.