Abstract
Since the study of Tomasi et al., the roles of s-IgA on local immunity, and the localization of production and the secretory mechanism of s-IgA have been gradually elucidated. However, few studies have been made on s-IgA in the bronchial tissues.
The author employed Immunofluorescence method and Immunoglobulin enzyme method and examined the distribution and localization of several Immunoglobulins on bronchial mucus tissues obtained by bronchial biopsy, pneumonectomy or autopsy from 101 cases. Additionally, the relationships between the bronchoscopic findings and clinical experiments and above results were studied. Following results were obtained:
1) Linear brilliant Immunofluorescence of IgA was seen on the surface of mucousal epithelial cells in bronchial tissues and a small number of IgA forming plasma cells was noted in lamina propria, however, and brilliant deposit of Immunofluorescence of IgG was observed in basement membranane and in lamina propria. IgM was distributed in all layers of membrane, however, the deposit of its Immunofluorescence was relatively weak.
2) Immunofluores of s-IgA was stronger in bronchial acinal gland cells than in epithelial cells, therefore, it was suggested that bronchial glands were immunologically quite important.
3) IgA acted on infectious defence mechanisms in bronchial mucosa. On the other hand, IgG was noticed when inflammation developed inside of mucosa. This result may indicated the existence of Multi-defence system.
4) Secretory Component. (SC) was tended to be observed in tissues of chronic inflammation. Therefore relationship betwen SC and the repetition of inflammation was suggested.
5) Bronchoscopic findings of acute inflammation were closely related of the distribution of IgA in tissues, and those of chronic inflammation showed the good relationship with the distribution of IgG.
6) There was no defenite relationships between the distribution and the intensity of Immunoglobulin in bronchial tissues and the levels of Serum Immunoglobulins.
