Morphometry of the Stored Mucus in Antigen Challenged Sheep Tracheal Epithelium

Objective. To determine the effect of antigen challenge we measured stored mucus in the epithelium. Background. Airway surfaces are exposed to the particulates and chemicals in the inhaled air. Mucosa of the airway has to provide protection against the inhaled noxious agents in a number of ways, one of which is elaboration of secretions that protect the airway surface and facilitate the airway clearance. Methods. We compared the abundance and distribution of epithelial secretory (goblet) cells detected with Alcian blue /periodic acid Shiff reagent (AB/PAS) as measured with Image-Pro Plus® on digitized images of tracheal epithelium of 4 exposed and 4 control sheep. The AB/PAS positive carbohydrate was expressed as % of the measured epithelial area. Protocol and exposure details in: Effect of antigen on the glycoconjugate profile of tracheal secretions and epithelial glycocalyx in allergic sheep. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 93(3):585-593.1993. Results. The allergen challenged sheep had a larger complement of AB/PAS positive cells (28% ± 5.34 STD) reactivity of AB/PAS when compared to controls (8% ± 3.43 STD, (P < 0.05). Conclusions. The increased volume of carbo-hydrates in the stored mucus in the epithelial (goblet) cells is thought to reflect the increased stimulus for mucus synthesis and storage to be delivered into the airway surface at a post acute period or a more drastic irritant. The antigen induced changes may be implicated in the altered pathogen attachment and susceptibility of airway cell membranes through carbohydrate ligands in airway epithelium and glycocalyx. Grants. Supported by NSU Faculty Research Grant.