Nasal polyposis: immunohistochemical study [a hypothesis for their development]

ABSTRACT

Nasal polypi and turbinates were obtained from individuals undergoing surgery for symptomatic nasal obstruction caused by nonspecific rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinosinusitis. Monoclonal antibodies were used to identify macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Middle turbinates and polyps had more macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and eosinophils than the inferior turbinates. A theory for the pathogenesis of nasal polyps was proposed. Local release of inflammatory mediators could cause sodium absorption and chloride permeability to be higher in polyps than in normal turbinate epithelium