LYSOZYME AND LACTOFERRIN IN HUMAN MAXILLARY SINUS MUCOSA DURING CHRONIC SINUSITIS - AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Immunohistochemistry was used to study the localization of lysozyme (L Z) and lactoferrin (LF) in the human sinus mucosa during recurrent and chronic sinusitis. Serous cells of submucosal mixed glands and polymo rphonuclear leukocytes both displayed a strongly positive staining rea ction to both LZ and LF in the normal mucosa. A positive though weak s taining for LZ and LF could also be found occasionally within goblet c ells. In the mucosa from patients with recurrent or chronic sinusitis, the staining reaction to LZ appeared to intensify in goblet cells. Fu rthermore, an increased immunoreactivity of glands vis-a-vis LZ and LF was also noted occasionally. Atypical glands were frequently found in mucosa from patients with chronic sinusitis. The epithelium of these latter glands often showed an intense staining reaction to LF, but a r ather weak reaction to LZ. The results of the present study suggest th at the observed in crease in LZ and LF secreting activity of goblet ce lls, epithelial cells and newly formed atypical glands may play a part in the defense mechanism of the sinus mucosa during the course of chr onic sinusitis.