Spontaneous DNA synthesis in adenoidal lymphocytes from healthy children and from children with otitis media with effusion.

Spontaneous DNA synthesis (SDS) in adenoidal lymphocytes was investigated in 37 children with particular attention to the relationship between the adenoids and otitis media with effusion (OME). The SDS was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation under a certain culture condition without any mitogens. Adenoidal lymphocytes showed an extremely higher uptake of [3H]thymidine than did peripheral lymphocytes. SDS in adenoidal lymphocytes was much greater in the 3-5-year-old age group than in the older groups. SDS in patients with OME was also significantly greater than that in patients with no complications. Patients who recovered from OME within 3 months following adenoidectomy showed significantly greater SDS than those with recurrent effusion over 6 months. These results might indicate a relationship between the adenoids and OME.