Respiratory System

Nose, Olfactory Epithelium - Metaplasia, Respiratory

Narrative

Comment:

Respiratory metaplasia is defined as the replacement of olfactory epithelium with a ciliated, respiratory epithelium (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4). The presence of respiratory metaplasia implies that loss of olfactory epithelium has occurred through necrosis or atrophy. Treatment-related atrophy of olfactory nerves beneath the affected olfactory epithelium can occur. Small focal, unilateral areas of respiratory metaplasia can sometimes be seen in control animals (Figure 4).

Recommendations:

Respiratory metaplasia should be diagnosed and graded. Small, focal lesions seen in control animals should be diagnosed when the nose is an obvious or potential target organ. Necrosis or atrophy associated with respiratory metaplasia of the olfactory epithelium should not be diagnosed unless it is clearly a separate process and atrophic or necrotic areas are present elsewhere in the olfactory epithelium. It is common for respiratory metaplasia to be present in the epithelium of the Bowman’s glands beneath the affected olfactory epithelium. This can be described in the narrative and not diagnosed separately unless warranted by its prominence or severity (see Nose - Olfactory Epithelium, Glands - Metaplasia ). Atrophy of the olfactory nerves should also be described in the narrative, unless its severity warrants a separate diagnosis.

Related Links:

Nose - Olfactory Epithelium, Glands - Metaplasia

References:

Nagano K, Katagiri T, Aiso S, Senoh H, Sakura Y, Takeuchi T. 1997. Spontaneous lesions of nasal cavity in aging F344 rats and BDF1 mice. Exp Toxicol Pathol 49:97-104.

Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0940299397800772

Takeuchi T, Nagano K, Katagiri T, Aiso S, Okudaira M, Fujiwara K. 1998. Incidence of respiratory metaplasia of the nasal gland epithelium in untreated F344 rats and BDF1 mice subjected to two-year carcinogenicity studies. J Toxicol Pathol 11:209-212.

Abstract: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/tox/11/3/11_3_209/_article

All Images

Nose, Olfactory epithelium - Metaplasia, Respiratory in a female B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. There is replacement of olfactory epithelium by ciliated, respiratory epithelium.

Nose, Olfactory epithelium - Metaplasia, Respiratory in a treated male B6C3F1/N mouse (left) and normal olfactory epithelium from a control male B6C3F1/N mouse from a subchronic study (right). The olfactory epithelium of the treated mouse has been replaced by respiratory epithelium. Image provided courtesy of Dr. R. Miller.

Nose, Olfactory epithelium - Metaplasia, Respiratory in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. The olfactory mucosa has been completely replaced by respiratory epithelium, and there is concurrent atrophy of the olfactory nerves. Image provided courtesy of Dr. R. Miller.

Nose, Olfactory epithelium - Metaplasia, Respiratory in a control B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. There is localized replacement of the olfactory mucosa by respiratory epithelial cells (arrow) and dilation of Bowman's glands. Image provided courtesy of Dr. R. Miller.

Authors and Reviewers

Authors

Rodney A. Miller, DVM, PhD, DACVP
NC Pathology Group Manager
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Mark F. Cesta, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Staff Scientist, NTP Pathologist
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Ronald Herbert, DVM, PhD
NTP Pathologist
Group Leader, Pathology Support Group
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC