Role of Phosphorylcholine-Specific Immunoglobulin M in Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

Ohori J1, Jimura T1, Kurono Y1.

Author information

1

1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of serum phosphorylcholine (PC)-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) as a natural antibody against infectious diseases.

METHODS:

The relationship between serum PC-specific IgM level and C-reactive protein level or white blood cell counts was examined in patients with severe upper respiratory tract infections (ie, acute epiglottitis and peritonsillar abscess).

RESULTS:

PC-specific IgM level was significantly negatively correlated with C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count. In addition, C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count was significantly lower in women than in men, whereas PC-specific IgM level was significantly higher in women.

CONCLUSIONS:

PC-specific IgM is suggested to have protective and suppressive effects against the progression of infectious and inflammatory reactions. Higher levels of PC-specific IgM in women might be one of the reasons why the incidence and severity of acute epiglottitis and peritonsillar abscess are lower in women.

KEYWORDS:

C-reactive protein; IgM; phosphorylcholine; white blood cell

PMID:

 

31092031

 

DOI:

 

10.1177/0003489419835568

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