Goblet cell density in nasal polyps.

The goblet cell density was determined in 29 nasal polyps from 22 patients by use of the periodic acid Schiff-alcian blue whole-mount method. The distribution of goblet cells was found to be extremely irregular, ranging from areas completely devoid of goblet cells to areas with a relatively high density. The median density varied from 280 cells/mm2 to 10,000 cells/mm2. The total median density for all 15 polyps located anteriorly in the nose was 3,450 cells/mm2, compared with 6,050 cells/mm2 for 14 posteriorly located polyps. The density was highest in pseudostratified, cylindric epithelium, although great variations occurred among the different areas with this type of epithelium. The goblet cell density may be influenced by several factors, such as the airflow, type and thickness of the epithelium, and whether the genesis of the nasal polyps is infectious or allergic, in addition to polyp growth, size, and age.