Secretory properties of chronically inflamed middle ear mucosa.

Abstract

Based on systematic examination of 13 chronically infected temporal bones, serially sectioned and stained for mucus, the following conclusions concerning mucosal secretory properties were drawn: (1) Chronically inflamed middle ear mucosa showed increased secretory capacity in the form of goblet and other secretory cells. Great numbers of secreting cells were seen, especially in the areas of taller epithelium; in places mucus-positivity could be demonstrated even in the ciliated cells. In certain areas the respiratory epithelium could even be replaced by mucous epithelium. Increased secretory function was felt to be due partly to secretory metaplasia, partly to secretory proliferation. (2) Glands or gland-like structures were always present, but in half the cases only their degenerative forms were left. The number and activity of the glands depended upon the stage of the chronic process. When the situation had become chronic with hyperplastic mucosa the secretory elements increased; when the mucosa had bec...