Three-dimensional morphologic and molecular atlases of nasal vasculature

Abstract

Understanding the function of the nasal vasculature in homeostasis and pathogenesis of common nasal diseases is important. Here we describe an extensive network of venous sinusoids (VSs) in mouse and human nasal mucosa. The endothelium of the VSs expressed Prox1 (considered to be a constitutive marker of lymphatic endothelium) and high levels of VCAM-1 and exhibited unusual cell-to-cell junctions. VSs are supported by circular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and surrounded by immune cells. The nasal mucosa also showed a rich supply of lymphatic vessels with distinctive features, such as the absence of the lymphatic marker LYVE1 and sharp-ended capillaries. In mouse models of allergic rhinitis or acute Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, Prox1+ VSs were regressed or compromised. However, in aged mice, the VSs lost the SMC support and were expanded and enlarged. Our findings demonstrate three-dimensional morphological and molecular heterogeneities of the nasal vasculature and offer insights into their associations with nasal inflammation, infection and aging.