Polynesian bronchiectasis

Eur J Respir Dis Suppl. 1983:127:31-6.

Abstract

Six Polynesian children aged 8-14 years with recurrent lower respiratory infections and abnormal lung mucociliary clearance were assessed for immuno-deficiency. Measurements were made in these 6 children and in 21 healthy Polynesians of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) and complement components (C3, C4), leucocyte function tests, and T and B cell populations. A further 8 Polynesian bronchiectatics were tested for sputum secretory-IgA. There was no evidence of S-IgA deficiency and 4 had high levels. There was no evidence of immunodeficiency. Nasal epithelium was obtained from 6 children using a cytology brush and ciliated epithelium was obtained in only 4. The ultrastructure was normal although few cilia were examined.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bronchiectasis / immunology*
  • Bronchiectasis / pathology
  • Bronchiectasis / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Cilia / physiology
  • Cilia / ultrastructure*
  • Complement System Proteins / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / analysis
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis*
  • Lung / ultrastructure
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mucus / physiology
  • Nasal Mucosa / ultrastructure
  • Polynesia
  • Sputum / immunology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Complement System Proteins