SECRETION FROM GLAND AND GOBLET CELLS IN INFECTED SINUSES

The number of goblet cells in the normal mucosa in the paranasal sinus es is comparable to that in the nasal mucosa. There are relatively few mucosal glands in the sinuses. In recent years, the maxillary sinus o f the rabbit has been used for experimental studies. After induced inf ections, the number of goblet cells increases. In pneumococcal sinusit is, the number reaches a peak after 3 weeks and then declines. In sinu sitis induced by St. aureus and the anaerobic bacteria B. fragilis, th e number is more progressive over time and persistent during 12 weeks. The number of glands shows no hyperplasia, but occasionally atypical glands can be found. In patients with chronic sinusitis, the number of goblet cells is usually not affected but the number of glands increas es. and the glands usually have a pathological shape. A decreased cili ary beating frequency correlates well with an increase in number of go blet cells. However, 75% of patients with chronic sinusitis have a nor mal frequency. When performing studies in patients with sinusitis one should be aware of the dynamic course of the disease and the difficult y in evaluating single mucosal biopsies.