Histochemistry of the Nasal Respiratory Mucosa

Taylor, Maureen

doi:10.1017/s0022215100054050

Cited by 18 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…These glands were all likely sources for the AB/PAS‐positive secretions found in the lumen. Although different fixation techniques (Lin et al 1997) or age‐related influences (e.g., altered histochemistry during menopause; Toppozada, 1988) may have influenced the intensity of staining, our AB/PAS findings agree with previous descriptions of human septal mucosa (Taylor, 1958; Mogensen and Tos, 1977). The present study could only delineate subtle differences between unicellular mucous glands in the VNO compared to goblet cells, the latter exhibiting perhaps more circumscribed masses of mucin droplets.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…This was true of multicellular glands or unicellular mucous glands. Certain multicellular glands in humans were completely intraepithelial in location, a characteristic not reported for any other mammalian VNO, but which has been described in human respiratory epithelium (Taylor, 1958). These glands were all likely sources for the AB/PAS‐positive secretions found in the lumen.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 67%

“…In this superior position, they are found among numerous glands of the respiratory mucosa (Stensaas et al, 1991; Gaafar et al, 1998; Jahnke and Merker, 1998; Smith et al, 1998). The morphology and histochemistry of the septal glands that empty into the nasal cavity has been described as serous, mucous, or seromucous in nature (Brunner, 1942; Taylor, 1958; Toppozada and Gaafar, 1973). However, the glands that are associated with the human VNO are less understood.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The presence or absence of cilia (kinocilia as on respiratory epithelium, not olfactory cilia) on VNO cells has also been the subject of debate (Nakashima et al, 1985; Stensaas et al, 1991; Gaafar et al, 1998; Smith et al, 1998, 1999). Despite these conflicting reports, no studies have utilized appropriate histochemical methods, which have already been employed on other tissues of the respiratory mucosa (Taylor, 1958; Mogensen and Tos, 1977; Toppozada, 1988), to verify glandular characteristics of human VNOs. Elucidation of such characteristics is critical since it has been experimentally demonstrated that glandular secretions are intimately involved in VNO function of other mammals (Eccles, 1982).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparative morphology and histochemistry of glands associated with the vomeronasal organ in humans, mouse lemurs, and voles

et al. 2000

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The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory structure of the vertebrate nasal septum that has been recently shown to exist in nearly all adult humans. Although its link to reproductive behaviors has been shown in some primates, its functionality in humans is still debated. Some authors have suggested that the human VNO has the capacity to detect pheromones, while others described it as little more than a glandular pit. However, no studies have utilized histochemical techniques that would reveal whether the human VNO functions as a generalized gland duct or a specialized chemosensory organ. Nasal septal tissue from 13 humans (2–86 years old) were compared to that of two adult lemurs (Microcebus murinus) and eight adult voles (four Microtus pennsylvanicus and four Microtus ochrogaster). Sections at selected intervals of the VNO were stained with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB), AB‐PAS, and PAS‐hematoxylin procedures. Results revealed typical well‐developed VNOs with tubuloacinar glands in Microtus and Microcebus. VNO glands were AB‐negative and PAS‐positive in voles and mouse lemurs. Homo differed from Microtus and Microcebus in having more branched, AB and PAS‐positive glands that emptied into the VNO lumen. Furthermore, the human VNO epithelium had unicellular mucous glands (AB and PAS‐positive) and cilia, similar to respiratory epithelia. These results demonstrate unique characteristics of the human VNO which at once differs from glandular ducts (e.g., cilia) and also from the VNOs of mammals possessing demonstrably functional VNO. Anat Rec 260:92–101, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 67%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparative morphology and histochemistry of glands associated with the vomeronasal organ in humans, mouse lemurs, and voles

et al. 2000

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“…Planet [ 1951 ] and Bojsen-Moller [1964] described these glands as serous and PAS-negative, while Taylor [1958] stated that most of their acini were PAS-negative.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of epithelia and glands of the nasal septum mucosa in the rat

Katz¹,

Merzel²

1977

Cells Tissues Organs

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A histotopographic study of the nasal septum mucosa in rats was made using semi-serial sections stained with PAS-hematoxylin, reconstructed in form of maps representing the structure in a sagittal plane. The stratified squamous, respiratory and olfactory epithelia and Masera’s organ cover 14.8, 43.6, 41.6 and 1.8%, respectively, of the septal surface (117.1 mm²). In the vestibular region, only ducts of PAS-negative glands of the respiratory region are found, and below the septum there is the infraseptal gland with PAS-negative acini. In the respiratory region, PAS-negative acinous glands form two groups: the superior and the inferior one occupying 10.5 and 1.5%, respectively, of the septal area. PAS-positive acinous glands are in the inferior half of the respiratory region and in a small anteroinferior portion of the olfactory region. Besides goblet cells broadly distributed, the respiratory epithelium presents scattered intraepithelial PAS-positive glands which are concentrated in the anterior portion and close to the nasopharyngeal duct. In the olfactory region prevail Bowman’s PAS-positive glands which are also present in the mucosa of Masera’s organ, but are not seen in the olfactory mucosa of Jacobson’s organ. In the latter, PAS-positive glands are found in the respiratory mucosa. Globular leukocytes, cells of connective tissue origin, are constantly infiltrating the superior regions of the respiratory and olfactory epithelia, being more numerous in female rats.

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