[Mucins in otorhinolaryngology].
BACKGROUND
Mucins are glycoproteins of high-polymer structure. They are an important component of the mucous layer covering the epithelia of the upper aerodigestive tract. Until now there has been little interest with regard to mucins in otorhinolaryngology.


METHODS
The present knowledge about mucins of the upper aerodigestive tract is presented. A MEDLINE search was conducted for English- and German-language articles published from 1966 to the present.


RESULTS
Thirteen different mucins named MUC 1-13 have been subdivided based on the classification system used by the Human Gene Mapping Committee. Besides mucins, small mucin-associated peptides, called trefoil factor peptides, have attracted much interest.


CONCLUSIONS
Classification and attribution of the mucins found in the middle ear, larynx, oropharynx, esophagus, and nasolacrimal ducts has yet to be done. Also, little is known about the distribution of trefoil factor peptides in the upper aerodigestive tract.
Paulsen
F
F
Anatomisches Institut, Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Olshausenstrasse 40, 24098 Kiel. fpaulsen@anat.uni-kiel.de
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009077:Mucins / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D012016:Reference Values
D009077:Mucins