Abstract
Ultrastructure of the airway epithelium and character of glycoconjugates produced by secretory cells were studied after 10-min inhalations of saline and mineral water aerosols. Methods of electron microscopy and conventional and lectin histochemistry were used.
The results were evaluated quantitatively. The target cells for the function of both aerosols were the goblet cells.
These cells were overstimulated and the mechanism of mucus evacuation was accelerated. The exhausted goblet cells mostly took part in further secretory cycles.
The cells not entirely filled with secretory granules prevailed in the epithelium. Massive differentiation of new secretory elements caused changes in the secretory cells' distribution.
Of the two aerosols, only mineral water induced significant changes in the composition of glycoconjugates in the secretion of goblet cells. Due to administration of saline, the ciliated cells were less damaged.
The percentage of altered cilia was significantly lower compared with that after mineral water inhalation. Morphological signs of impaired self-cleaning ability of the airway epithelium were discovered only after mineral water inhalation.
From the morphological point of view, administration of saline aerosol is less harmful compared with that of mineral water.