[Expression of estradiol receptors in mast cells of the upper airway].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the expression of estrogen receptors in mast cells, CD4+, CD8+ and CD68+ cells in human nasal polyps.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical and dual immunostaining methods were used with mouse monoclonal antibodies against human estrogen receptors, a range of human immune cell types included CD4+ (helper T-cells), CD8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells), CD68+ (Macrophages) cells and mast cells.

RESULTS

Coincident with the known features of human nasal polyps, all the immune/inflammatory cell types examined were clearly detected with corresponding monoclonal antibodies. The cells positive for estrogen receptor were morphologically similar to the mast cells but distinct from CD4+, CD8+ or CD68+ cells. The cells stained for estrogen receptors by dual immunostaining coincided exactly with cells labeled as mast cells but differed from CD4+, CD8+ or CD68+ cells.

CONCLUSION

Estrogen receptors express only in mast cells, but not in CD4+, CD8+ or CD68+ cells in the human upper airway.