Abstract
The local immune system of human laryngeal tissues was reviewed. Attention was focused to the distribution pattern of the glandular tissue and SIgA production in each structure of the larynx. Glandular acini and ductules were distributed mainly at the level of the false vocal colds and sub-glottis. Glandular buds made their appearance in fetal larynges. IgA and other immunoglobulins were found in adult larynges. In fetal larynges, however, IgA and secretory IgA could not be detected. In adults, diffuse fluorescence for IgA was observed not only in the submucosal or peri-glandular connective tissue but also in the glandular tissue. IgA producing plasma cells were numerous. Secretory component (SC) synthesis was found in the glandular acini and epithelium. SC synthesis was noted also in the glandular tissue of fetuses. These observations indicate that, in human larynges, the local immune function conducted by SIgA starts working shortly after birth.
