Abstract
In experiment, the effect of repeated inhalations of mineral water aerosol oil the airplay 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 transmission electron microscopy the results were evaluated quantitatively In paraffin-embodied material, the methods of conventional and lectin histochemistry were employed. 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%. High level of goblet cells' stimulation resulted in chan-es in their distribution in the epithelium.
Small intraepithelial mucous glands were formed by 33 +/- 4%, of goblet cells. Goblet cells containing neutral glycoconjugates disappeared.
A significant (alpha = 0.01) increase in number of cells producing acid sulphated glycoconjugates was accompanied With significant (alpha = 0.01) decrease ill cells containing alpha (2-3)sialylated ones. 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/m(2). The altered kinocilia represented 5.8 +/- 1.4% These Values were slightly but significantly (alpha = 0.01) lower compared with controls.
As morphological signs of impaired self-cleaning, ability of the airway epithelium, clumps of condensed mucus were discovered in the area of the slightly impaired ciliary bolder. According to our classification of the airway epithelium injury, the degree of damage to the tracheal epithelium was mild to moderate.