Abstract
The surface ultrastructure of the respiratory normal mucosal cells and cancer cells in the larynges extirpated from the patients who have been treated with or without radiotherapy were studied by SEM cinematography.
A similar distribution pattern of epithelial cells composed of ciliated or non-ciliated cells was observed in either entrance portion of the nasal cavity or subglottic areas.
By radioactive particle (resin beads labeled with 99Tc) technique, mucociliary transport rate (MTR) on nasal septal mucoua was measured in normal subjects, laryngectomees and patients with chronic sinusitis or Sjögren's syndrome.
An average of MTR was 6.8 and 6.7mm/min in normal subjects and laryngectomees, respectively. However, smalles rate was noted in patients with chronic sinusitis and Sjögren's syndrome.
The immunoglobulin pattern was studied in nasal and maxillary sinus secretions with chronic sinusitis. It was shown that a larger amount of IgA, IgG and IgM existed in both nasal and maxillary sinus secretion as compared with normal nasal secretion, and IgA and scretory component levels were significantly higher in sinus secretions than in nasal ones.
Immunohistological study revealed that a large number of IgA forming cells were mainly localized around mucous glands and IgG forming cells in subepithelial layer.
It was interesting that the level of both immunoglobulins in the inferior nasal turbinate and false vocal cord increased significantly.
Using laryngofiberscopy, pneumatography and photoeletric glottography, closure reflex activity of the larynx evoked by transnasal application of various concentrations of isovaleric acid and ammonia solutions during the inspiration were determined in normal subjects and patients with chronic sinusitis, anosmia, nasal allergy and COPD.
This reflex activity had a remarkable tendency to decrease among normal older subjects and most of patients with upper and lower respiratory diseases except for nasal allergy.
It was assumed that closure reflex activity of the larynx might be of great importance to protect the inhalation of hazardous materials into lung, therefore a depression or absence of reflex sensitivity in the upper respiratory tract might head to a higher incidence of various pulmonary diseases.
