Ultrastructure of submucosal glands in human anterior middle nasal turbinates

Expression of IL-25, IL-33, and Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin in Nasal Polyp Gland Duct Epithelium in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Background

Nasal polyps accompany eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS). Cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) expressed in nasal mucosa have been implicated in polyp pathogenesis. We investigated the role of nasal polyp epithelium cytokine expression in eosinophilic infiltration in ECRS.

Methods

Tissues were collected from 39 patients undergoing nasal surgery. Cases were divided into 3 groups: control (CTR), non-ECRS (nECRS), and ECRS and were evaluated for IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP expression.

Results

Abundant eosinophilia was observed underneath the nasal mucosa and around the nasal ducts in polyps in ECRS and correlated positively with IL-33 protein expression.

Conclusion

Cytokine expression in nasal duct cells and eosinophilic infiltration around duct cells similar to those in the nasal mucosa occurred in the nasal epithelium of polyps, suggesting its role in inducing eosinophilic inflammation.

Early studies of airway submucosal glands

This historical article provides a comprehensive review of early research on the structure and function of airway submucosal glands. The literature before 1950 or so, is virtually unknown, but in addition to being of historical interest it contains much of relevance to current research. Airway glands were first mentioned in 1602. The first description of their general form, size, and distribution was in 1712. Gland morphology was determined in 1827 by injecting mercury into their openings. Wax was later used. Detailed comparative information for all regions of the tracheobronchial tree was provided by Frankenhauser in 1879 (Untersuchungen uber den bau der Tracheo-Bronchial-Schleimhaut). Histological studies began in 1870, and by the end of the 19th century, all the major histological features had been described. The first physiological studies on airway mucous secretion were published in 1892. Kokin, in 1896 (Archiv für die gesamte Physiologie des Menschen und der Tiere 63: 622-630), was the first to measure secretion from individual glands. It was not, however, until 1933 that gland secretion was quantified. This early literature raises important questions as to the role of the collecting duct epithelium in modifying primary secretions. It also provides perhaps the most accurate measure of basal gland secretion in vivo.

Impact of resection of the turbinates and the lateral nasal wall on particle deposition

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the investigation was to determine the influence of complete resection of the turbinates and the lateral nasal wall on nasal deposition of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microm or less (pm10) and its relation to nasal patency and geometry.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

Eight patients were enrolled in the study after unilateral sinus surgery for a unilateral inverted papilloma of the sinuses. Particle deposition from the inhaled and exhaled air was measured by means of a laser particle counter in the nasal valve area and the nasopharynx during nose-only breathing and nose-in, mouth-out breathing. The data on deposited fraction for the operated side were compared with the data for the untreated, healthy side. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry were performed.

RESULTS

Particle deposition did not differ significantly between the operated and untreated sides of the nose at both detection sites. No correlation between the deposited fraction and rhinomanometric and rhinometric values was found.

CONCLUSION

Radical resection of the turbinates does not seem to disturb particle deposition (pm10) measured in the nose to a significant degree. Factors other than impaction and sedimentation onto the mucosal surface of the turbinates seem to be sufficient for effective particle deposition after radical removal of the turbinates.