Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Pulmonary surfactant originates from phospholipid lamellar bodies secreted from the type II epithelial cell of the alveolus. In the lower airway, surfactant optimizes surface tension and oxygen exchange, decreases mucus viscosity and aids in mechanical elimination of inhaled pathogens. In addition to the lung, lamellar bodies have been identified in many other cell types throughout the human body. However, no prior studies have identified lamellar bodies in human sinus mucosa. OBJECTIVES: We performed ultrastructural studies to assess whether lamellar bodies are present in the human sinus in a variety of diseased and normal epithelium. METHODS: RESULTS: We identified lamellar bodies in the sinus mucosa of all patients. Additionally, preservation of mouse lung lamellar bodies confirms that the R-OTO method is a valid technique to preserve these structures. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a simpler, faster technique for identification of cellular phospholipid components than those used previously. Definitive identification of these lamellar bodies within ciliated pseudostratified epithelium of the upper airway indicates that surfactant may have a role in sinus function and pathophysiology.
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Authors | Bradford A Woodworth, Nancy Smythe, Samuel S Spicer, Bradley A Schulte, Rodney J Schlosser |
Journal | ORL; journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties
(ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec)
Vol. 67
Issue 4
Pg. 199-202
( 2005)
ISSN: 0301-1569 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 16024936
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Mucins
- Phospholipids
- Pulmonary Surfactants
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Topics |
- Animals
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea
(pathology)
- Cystic Fibrosis
(pathology)
- Cytoplasmic Granules
(ultrastructure)
- Eosinophilia
(pathology)
- Epithelial Cells
(ultrastructure)
- Frontal Sinus
(pathology)
- Humans
- Lung
(ultrastructure)
- Mice
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Mucins
(analysis)
- Mucocele
(pathology)
- Mycoses
(pathology)
- Paranasal Sinus Diseases
(pathology)
- Paranasal Sinuses
(ultrastructure)
- Phospholipids
(analysis)
- Pulmonary Surfactants
(analysis)
- Respiratory Hypersensitivity
(microbiology, pathology)
- Respiratory Mucosa
(ultrastructure)
- Rhinitis
(pathology)
- Sinusitis
(microbiology, pathology)
- Tissue Fixation
(methods)
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