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The effects of different fixations on the distribution and numbers of mast cells in patients with nasal polyps

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. B. Drake-Lee*
Affiliation:
Honorary Senior Lecturer in Rhinology, The Institute of Laryngology and Otology, Grays Inn Road, London.
E. Chevreton
Affiliation:
Lecturer in Otorhinolaryngology, The London Hospital.
D. Lowe
Affiliation:
Academic Department of Community Medicine, King's College Hospital, London.
*
A. Drake-Lee, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TH.

Abstract

Mast cells in rats have been categorized into mucosal and connective tissue mast cells by properties which include their fixation characteristics and their distribution in tissues. There are a number of factors which make his classification unsatisfactory including the variability of fixation, intensity of background staining and the application of animal studies to man. Seasonal allergic reactions in the nose of man occur both in the surface metachromatic cells and in those within the epithelium; the latter are presumed to be mucosal mast cells. The aim of this study was to look at the distribution and the fixation characteristics of mast cells in inferior tubinates and nasal polyps. Both techniques show that cells are more abundant in the submucosa and the fact that Carnoy's fixative shows them better and this may be due to the lack of intensity in the background staining. There is no evidence that mast cells are more frequent in the epithelium. These findings would suggest the nasal polyps are not an allergic disease.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1988

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