Goblet-cell density in the human lung--whole-mount study of the normal left lower lobe.

The whole-mount quantitative method was used to study goblet-cell density and distribution in the adult human lung. The airways of the lower lobe in 10 lung specimens were dissected downwards in the axial pathway and airway generation levels were determined by an exact numbering system. The entire bronchial mucous membrane was separated from the underlying structures and stained with the PAS-alcian blue whole-mount method. 11 generations (3-13) were studied in all 10 specimens. Goblet cells were irregularly distributed throughout the airways. There was a highly significant decrease in goblet-cell density from proximal to distal airways (145 to 92 cells/field). The overall median density was 123 cells per field, which corresponds to 6,950 cells per square mm. There was no obvious difference between the cases as related to smoking habits, sex and age.