The effect of oestrogen on the nasal respiratory mucosa. An experimental histopathological and histochemical study

An experimental histopathological and histochemical work carried out in thirty guinea-pigs of an average weight of 475 gm. receiving oestrogen in the form of ethynyl oestradiol in a dose of 10 microgram/animal/day and aiming at a study of the effects of oestrogen on the respiratory nasal mucosa. The histopathalogical lesions of the respiratory nasal mucosa were in the form of squamous metaplasia and spongiosis of the lining epithelium, with oedema of the underlying corium, glandular hyperplasia submucosal cellular infiltration, increased vascularity and some vascular changes in the form of endothelial proliferation with intimal thickening. Histochemical enzymatic alterations were in the form of increased succinic dehydrogenase activity in the epithelium as well as in the hyperplastic submucous glands, intensified reaction of the acid phosphatase in the cells of the corium, and the appearance of alkaline phosphatase activity in the apical parts of the cells lining the glands, indicating increased secretory activity. All the changes obtained in the histopathological and histochemical studies can be attributed to hormonal stimulation of the nasal mucosa.