Normal Histology of the Nasal Cavity and Application of Special Techniques

Abstract

There are three major epithelial types in the nasal mucosa, in addition to numerous accessory structures, some of which are species specific. Without careful and consistent processing of the nose tissue, histopathologic assessment of lesions in the nasal cavity may be compromised. While formalin fixation may be used for routine review of the nasal cavity, Bouin's fixation provides better histologic detail and fewer artifacts. Decalcification is not recommended for nasal tissues to be examined by transmission electron microscopy because of the detrimental effect of decalcifying solutions on sensory cells. Three levels of the nasal cavity may be used for routine histologic review of the nasal cavity, but four or five levels may be more appropriate for certain studies.

Evaluation of the Rabbit Nasal Cavity in Inhalation Studies and a Comparison with Other Common Laboratory Species and Man

“…Landmarks for trimming levels I and II of the rabbit are similar to those recommended for rats (Boorman et al 1990;Uraih and Maronpot 1990;Young 1981), but anatomic and histological differences exist between the species. Unlike in rats, Level I in rabbits is lined predominantly with squamous epithelium with minimal amounts of transitional epithelium.…”

“…The advance in inhalation therapy has resulted in more scientific information on the structure and function of the nose at anatomic, microscopic, and molecular levels. There is extensive literature about the anatomic and histological features of the nasal cavity of mice (Herbert and Leininger 1999;Mery et al 1994), rats (Boorman et al 1990;Harkema 1990;Harkema 1991;Harkema et al 2006;Mery et al 1994;Uraih and Maronpot 1990;Young 1981), and monkeys (Harkema 1990;Harkema 1991;Harkema et al 2006;Macri et al 2007). Although relatively uncommon, the rabbit has been used as the species of choice in some inhalation toxicological studies.…”

Quaternary Murid Rodents of Timor Part I: New Material of Coryphomys buehleri Schaub, 1937, and Description of a Second Species of the Genus

“…In Rattus norvegicus, for which we have the most detailed account of the development and adult histochemistry of the maxillary sinus (Vidic 1971;Vidic and Greditzer, 1971;Uraih and Maronpot, 1990), the dorsal surface of the maxilla features a broad nasopharyngeal sulcus and a shallow, undivided maxillary sinus depression bounded medially by a raised septum, and posteriorly and laterally by low ridges (the lateral ridge is continuous posteriorly with the orbital lamina of the maxilla; a comparable anatomy is illustrated in fig. 21A-B for Rattus rattus).…”

Comparative Anatomy, Physiology, and Function of the Upper Respiratory Tract

“…After decalcifying the skull, coronal sections should be prepared to include the nasopharynx. The procedures are discussed in detail in another article in this series (36).…”