[Evaluation of the function of palatine tonsil with regard to phagocytosis].

Trypan blue and Indian ink made in Fuzhou as vital staining dyes were injected into the abdominal cavities of rabbits. Nine days later, the tonsil, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes were examined. Numerous pigment granules were observed in the macrophages of the spleen and lymph node. However, no phagocytosis of pigment granules was found in the palatine tonsil and thymus. It indicated that the function of palatine tonsil as a lymph organ is to contact exogenous antigens and to take part in immune response. It is important for children, especially infants, to establish a complete immune mechanism. The Tonsils reach their maximum development in childhood and thereafter decline. Once the palatine tonsils become chronic foci, surgical removal of the diseased tonsils is necessary.