Tracheal epithelium of rabbits after repeated inhalations of mineral water aerosol
2001
Konradova, V. | Vajner, L. | Uhlik, J. | Zocova, J. (Karlova Univ., Prague (Czech Republic))
The effect of repeated inhalations of mineral water aerosol on the airway epithelium was investigated. Six rabbits inhaled mineral water for 10 min 5 x in the course of 5 days, seven animals served as untreated controls. The tracheal mucous membrane was processed using standard methods of transmision electron microscopy and methods of conventional and lectin histochemistry. Due to the contact with mineral water aerosol, the goblet cells were overstimulated and the mechanism of secretion was accelerated. The exhausted goblet cells represented 66 +/- 2 %. Goblet cells containing neutral glycoconjugates disappeared. A significant increase in number of cells producing acid sulphated glycoconjugates was accompanied with significant decrease in cells containing alpha(2-3) sialylated glycoconjugates. In the ciliated cells, slight apical blebbing and mild signs of pathological alteration of the deeper portions of their cytoplasm were noticed. In the ciliary border, the mean number of cilia was 7.2 +/- 0.3/square m. The altered kinocilia represented 5.8 +/- 1.4 %. These values were significantly lower compared with controls. Clumps of condensed mucus were discovered in the area of the slightly impaired ciliary border. The degree of damage to the tracheal epithelium was mild to moderate.
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