Histochemical Analysis of Bronchial Secretions in Asthma: A Quantitative Assessment

Signature Grand, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective. We compared the characteristics of acidic and neutral staining areas of lung airways between asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients. Background. Alteration of the airway content is the hallmark of asthma. We examined paraffin embedded AB/PAS stained sections of asthmatic and non-asthmatic bronchi. The airway areas of acidic, Alcian Blue (AB), neutral, periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and mixed positive staining was estimated. Results. The asthmatics had more mucous AB positive cells overall. The AB/PAS positive prevalence was variable, ranging from dark blue to light magenta. The examined airways of asthmatics contained intra luminal debris and mucous plugs. Conclusion. These findings suggest that, in fatal asthma, the morphologic remodeling of the airway wall includes gland enlargement, with altered mucous, combination that likely contributes to the airway obstruction in fatal asthma. Grants. This study was funded by a NSU-HPD Faculty Research Grant (AM).