Group II Phospholipase A₂ in Nasal Fluid, Mucosa and Paranasal Sinuses

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the type of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) in nasal fluid and to demonstrate its cellular origin. The concentration of group II PLA₂ was high (591.5 μg/l) in nasal fluid compared with serum level (10.8 μg/1) and the fluid of paranasal sinuses (10.6 μg/1). Methacholine stimulated nasal fluid contained only small amounts (19.1 μg/1) of group II PLA₂ when the flow of tear fluid through the nasolacrimal duct was obstructed. Occasional glands secreting group II PLA, were found in nasal and paranasal mucosa by immunohistochemistry. Lysozyme was found in the majority of mucosal glands. It was concluded that nasal and paranasal mucosal glands contain group II PLA₂. In nasal fluid, however, PLA₂ is mainly derived from tear fluid.

Key Words:

• anti-infective agents
• lysozyme
• nose