Epithelium lining the rostral portion of the porcine nasal mucosa

Epithelial tissues from the rostral half of the pig nasal cavity were prepared for light and electron microscopy. The predominant epithelial cell type at the luminal surface was cuboidal with surface microplicae or microvilli and a multilobate nucleus. Pinocytotic vesicles were a common feature of the adluminal cytoplasmic zone of these superficial cuboidal cells. Other cell types included basal cells, intermediate cells and, occasionally, goblet and ciliated cells. Basal cells contained vesicles located adjacent to the basal lamina. This transitional mucosa may be specialised for sampling substances from the luminal surface preliminary to releasing cytokines and, or, presenting immunogens to intraepithelial lymphocytes.