Immunohistochemical Localization of Alpha-Atrial Natriuretic Polypeptide in the Human Nasal Polyp

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) is a peptide which is involved in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. The purpose of this study is to localize ANP in the human nasal polyps by immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence methods. Materials and Methods: Polyps were obtained at routine polypectomy under local anesthesia, Sections were processed for immunocytochemical demonstration of ANP using the avidin -biotin -peroxidase complex (ABC) procedure and the FITC immunofluorescence technique. RESULTS: ANP was detected in the surface epithelium of nasal polyps. These apical cells stained deeply with ANP. In the stroma, ANP was confined to acinar cells in the mucosal glands. No immunoreaction was detected in either the goblet cells or the fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: The large number and wide spread distribution of ANP-immunoreactive cells in nasal polyps imply that ANP could be involved in their pathophysiology.