Glycoconjugate expression in normal human inferior turbinate mucosa: A lectin histochemical study

Background: Further study on the composition and concentration of normal nasal mucosal glycoconjugates is needed. Methods: A battery of ten lectins was used to stain six carbohydrates residing in the inferior turbinate mucosa of 21 healthy individuals. Results: The concentrations of glycoconjugates of the glycocalyx exceeded that of epithelial goblet, ciliated, and basal cells, and also of mucous, serous, and mixed submucosal glands. Epithelial goblet cells and submucosal mucous glands contained relatively high concentrations of glycoconjugates, whereas in epithelial ciliated and basal cells, similar to serous and mixed submucosal glands, concentrations were scanty. The concentrations of N-acetylgalactosamine and galactose were higher in goblet cells than in mucous glands (p = 0.006, and p = 0.056, respectively). Differences in the concentrations of N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, mannose, and sialic acid were insignificant. Conclusions: The findings provide a baseline for comparison of the composition and concentration of carbohydrates of the normal and pathologic inferior turbinate mucosa.