Analysis of epsilon germline transcripts and IL‐4 mRNA expression in the adenoids suggests local IgE switching

Background: We have previously observed more frequent occurrence of IgE+ and FcεRI+ cells in adenoids of atopic than nonatopic children. To investigate the hypothesis that the adenoids are involved in IgE production, we analyzed the levels of ε germline (εGL), IL‐4, and IFN‐γ transcripts in the adenoids in relation to atopy and presence of ear disease. Methods: Adenoidectomy was performed on 19 atopic and 18 nonatopic children (median age 5 years, range 2–12 years) suffering from otitis media with effusion (OME) (n=16) or obstructive adenoids hyperplasia (AH) (n=21). The levels of εGL transcripts, IL‐4, and IFN‐γ mRNA were analyzed by competitive reverse transcriptase‐PCR. Results:εGL transcript levels in the adenoids were found to be dependent on IL‐4 mRNA expression (P