IMMUNOGLOBULINS AND IMMUNOGLOBULIN-CONTAINING CELLS IN CYSTS OF THE JAWS

Immunoglobulin levels in cyst-fluids from 19 odontogenic cysts were significantly higher than in the sera of the same patients. Mean cyst/serum ratios for IgA, IgG, and IgM were 3.0, 2.1, and 1.8 respectively. Immunofluorescent staining of sections of cyst walls showed that the characteristic cellular mural aggregates contained many cells forming immunoglobulins; IgA plasma cells were preponderant, but IgG and IgM cells were also seen. In some cases plasma cells were seen penetrating the epithelial lining of the cyst and entering the cavity. It seems that immunoglobulins reaching the cyst cavity are transported by the cells that make them.