Abstract
The author has studied the development of local immune system of the human larynx (57adults and 16 fetuses), by examining the distribution and secretory activity of the glands.Glandular distribution was observed in the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis, false vocal cords, ventricle and subglottis in each human adult larynx. Glandular bud was first observed in the fourth month and became evident in the fifth month of the fetal larynx. Immunofluorescent studies demonstrated the presence of IgG and other immunoglobuli ns in each adult larynx. In particular, distribution of IgA was most evident not only in the submucosal or periglandular connective tissue, but in the intraepithelial or submucosal glandular tissue. SC synthesis was found in every glandular cell. On the contrary, immunofluorescent study of the fetal larynx revealed the absence of IgA. SC synthesis, however, was noted in each serous-type glandular cell from the fourth month fetus. These observations suggest that local imm une system by glandular system is active in adult larynx. Sc synthetic activity in glandular cell is inherently acquired in at least fourth month fetus and SIgA synthesis might begin postnatally.
