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Mucosubstance histochemistry of the maxillary sinus mucosa in experimental sinusitis: a model study on rabbits
K M Westrin1, P Stierna, B Carlsöö
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Huddinge Hospital, Sweden.
Abstract:
The histochemical properties of mucosubstances within the sinus mucosa were examined in rabbits affected with experimental sinusitis, induced either by blocking the maxillary sinus ostium (occlusion group) or in addition by an inoculation of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal group). An increase in periodic acid-Schiff positive epithelial secretory cells was found, as well as regeneration of goblet cells in the epithelium from the 2nd week. The goblet cells proved to contain periodate-reactive acid mucins, particularly during the early stages, as well as periodate-unreactive, purely acid mucins which were prevalent throughout the study. Among the alcian blue positive goblet cells, 0-40% (usually 5-20%) contained acid sialomucins, while the rest stained positive for sulphomucins. The submucosal glands and the large lateral nasal and maxillary glands were not histochemically influenced by the induced inflammatory state. No obvious difference in the histochemical staining pattern was seen between the two groups. A comparative microbiological analysis of the groups was also included in the study.
Insights
Experimental sinusitis in rabbits altered sinus mucosubstances, increasing secretory cells and goblet cells containing specific mucins. These changes were observed regardless of Streptococcus pneumoniae inoculation.
Area of Science:
- Histochemistry
- Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Sinusitis involves inflammation of the sinus mucosa.
- Mucosubstances play a crucial role in mucosal defense.
- Understanding mucosubstance changes in sinusitis is important for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histochemical properties of mucosubstances in experimental sinusitis in rabbits.
- To compare changes in rabbits with ostial blockage versus those with additional bacterial inoculation.
Main Methods:
- Induction of experimental sinusitis in rabbits via maxillary sinus ostium occlusion.
- Optional inoculation with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Histochemical analysis of sinus mucosa using periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue stains.
Main Results:
- Increased periodic acid-Schiff positive epithelial secretory cells observed.
- Goblet cell regeneration occurred from the second week.
- Goblet cells contained periodate-reactive acid mucins and periodate-unreactive acid mucins, with varying proportions of sialomucins and sulphomucins.
- Submucosal and nasal glands showed no significant histochemical changes.
- No distinct differences in staining patterns between occlusion and pneumococcal groups.
Conclusions:
- Experimental sinusitis induces significant changes in sinus mucosal mucosubstances, particularly in epithelial secretory cells and goblet cells.
- The observed mucin changes are primarily related to the inflammatory process rather than the specific bacterial challenge.
- Histochemical alterations in mucosubstances may contribute to the pathophysiology of sinusitis.