Immunofluorescent Localization of Immunoglobulins in Nasal Polyps

Abstract

The localization and production of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE in nasal mucosa and nasal polyps was studied using immunofluorescent techniques. Findings were as follows: IgG was uniformly distributed throughout the interstitium of both polyps and mucosa. Bright-staining IgA plasma cells localized around glandular elements were secreting their immunoglobulin contents into the gland lumens. No IgM was noted. There was no difference in the localization or production of immunoglobulin between control nasal mucosa or nasal polyps, and allergic histories did not correlate with immunoglobulin production. No evidence was found for a specific role of immunoglobulins, particularly IgE, in the production of nasal polyps.