Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in chronic sinusitis.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) system plays a crucial role in mucus production in vitro and in rats. However, the role of the EGF-R system in humans is not known. We compared the localization of EGF-R and its ligands (epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha) in the epithelia of sinuses with chronic sinusitis and in those of healthy controls. Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to identify the presence of EGF-R and its ligands in the sinus mucosa. We found EGF-R in goblet cells, basal cells, and submucosal gland cells, but not in ciliated cells. Immunoreactivity for both epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha was found in the epithelial cells and inflammatory cells and in some submucosal gland cells. There was stronger staining of EGF-R and its ligand proteins in chronic sinusitis specimens than in controls. The interrelated localization of EGF-R and its ligands suggests a role in mucus production in the epithelium of the sinus mucosa.
Lee
Heung-Man
HM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Communication Disorders, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Choi
Jin Ho
JH
Chae
Sung Won
SW
Hwang
Soon Jae
SJ
Lee
Sang Hag
SH
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D020397:Goblet Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008024:Ligands; D008297:Male; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D008679:Metaplasia; D008875:Middle Aged; D009093:Mucus / Q000378:metabolism; D018375:Neutrophil Activation / Q000502:physiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000032:analysis*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology
D008024:Ligands; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors