CHANGES IN GLYCOCONJUGATE EXPRESSION OF THE SINUS MUCOSA DURING EXPERIMENTAL SINUSITIS - A LECTIN HISTOCHEMICAL-STUDY OF THE EPITHELIUM ANDGOBLET CELL-DEVELOPMENT

Lectin expression in both normal and inflamed sinus mucosa in rabbit w as investigated histochemically. A different staining pattern was obse rved in the inflamed mucosa i.e. the degree of staining reactivity wit h Canavalia ensiformis (ConA) decreased, whereas staining with Ulex eu ropaeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I), Arachis hypoga (PNA) with neuraminidase pretreatment and Triticum vulgaris (WGA) intensified, indicating an en hanced fucosylation as well as sialylation. Goblet cells were stained with UEA-I, WGA, PNA, and PNA with neuraminidase pretreatment, but sca rcely with ConA. Positive PNP, staining of basal cells and epithelial secretory granules was observed in the inflamed mucosa, especially clo se to areas where goblet cell development was prolific. It was therefo re assumed that basal cells can differentiate into goblet cells-throug h epithelial secretory cells-accompanied by sialylation and/or sulphon ation of their mucins. It is concluded that the changes in glycoconjug ate expression as well as goblet cell development in the inflamed muco sa are of importance for both local host resistance and defence mechan isms against microorganisms during the early stages of the inflammator y process.