[Expression of human beta-defensin in palatine tonsil].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the expression of human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1) and human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) in palatine tonsil of normal subjects and patients with chronic tonsillitis, and to investigate the role of palatine tonsil in the innate immunity system.

METHOD: Eighteen specimens of hyperplastic tonsils (n = 8) and chronic tonsillitis(n = 10) were examined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULT: beta-defensin 1 mRNA was expressed in all tissue specimens, at levels that did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). beta-defensin 2 mRNA was detected in the specimens of chronic tonsillitis, but almost not in the normal subjects. Its expression level was significantly higher in chronic inflamed tonsils than in normal controls(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that beta-defensin of the palatine tonsil may play an important role in innate defense against microorganisms.