FAS Abstracts 2004 Meeting Page

Medical Sciences (MED): MED-2

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Bronchial epithelial cell and submucosal gland secretions in asthma.  J.P. COELHO (1), N. WILLIAMS (1), and A.T. MARIASSY (2).  (1) Barry University, Miami Shores, FL, 33161 and (2) Nova Southeastern University, College Of Medical Sciences, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328.  Remodeling of airways is the hallmark of asthma.  We examined paraffin embedded AB/PAS stained sections of asthmatic and non asthmatic bronchi.  The airway areas of acidic, alcian blue, neutral, periodic acid-Schiff, and mixed positive staining was estimated.  The asthmatics had more mucous AB positive cells overall.  The AB/PAS positive prevalence was variable, ranging from dark blue to light magenta.  The examined airways of asthmatics contained intraluminal debris and mucous plug.  These findings suggest that, in fatal asthma, the morphologic remodeling of of the airway wall includes gland enlargement with altered mucus, a combination that likely contributes to the airway obstruction.