[Detection of progesterone receptors in connective tissue cells of the lower nasal turbinates in women].
BACKGROUND
The syndrome of the Rhinopathia gravidarum has been frequently discussed in the literature, but the etiology is yet unknown. An increase of oestrogen and progesterone concentration is said to contribute to the pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to localize estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) in the nasal mucosa of women and to compare the localization with the distribution of mast cells (MC). The patients' medical history was obtained with special emphasis on nasal symptoms during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, or with the use of oral contraceptives.


METHODS
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin sections (nasal mucosa, inferior turbinate of 40 women) with monoclonal antibodies against ER, PgR, and mast cell tryptase.


RESULTS
PgR-positive cells were found in fibroblasts (nuclear staining). The cytoplasmic staining for ER in serous glands and excretory ducts and for PgR in the interstitium of glands is considered nonspecific. The pattern of the receptor distribution was different from the pattern seen in the MC-IHC. No significant statistical results were obtained comparing the patient's medical histories and the immunohistochemical findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings possibly indicate a direct influence of progesterone on fibroblasts and therefore on the consistency of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, estrogen and progesterone might cause rhinopathic symptoms indirectly by changing the concentration of neurotransmitters (e.g. substance P, NO) and their receptors.
Bowser
C
C
Klinik und Poliklinik für HNO-Kranke der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Riederer
A
A
D000328:Adult; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000473:pathology; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000473:pathology; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*; D012016:Reference Values; D014420:Turbinates / Q000473:pathology*
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone