Respiratory System

Nose, Respiratory Epithelium, Glands - Dilation

Narrative

Comment:

Dilation of glands in the lamina propria of the respiratory epithelium in excess of normal may alter the normal contour of the nasal septum or turbinates (Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3). Glandular dilation typically occurs concurrently with other lesions, such as inflammation and epithelial hyperplasia or metaplasia, but it may be seen separately as a primary change.

Recommendations:

"Nose, Respiratory epithelium, Glands - Dilation" should be diagnosed when there is a clear dilation of these glands in the absence of obvious glandular hyperplasia. When diagnosed, this lesion should be assigned a severity grade. If glandular hyperplasia is present concurrently, the hyperplasia should be diagnosed and the dilation described in the narrative. Other lesions, such as inflammation or epithelial degeneration, should be diagnosed separately, if warranted by their prominence or degree of severity.

References:

Boorman GA, Morgan KT, Uraih LC. 1990. Nose, larynx, and trachea. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 315-337.

Herbert RA, Leninger JR. 1999. Nose, larynx, and trachea. In: Pathology of the Mouse: Reference and Atlas (Maronpot RR, ed). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 259-292.

All Images

Nose, Respiratory epithelium, Glands - Dilation in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. The glands in the respiratory mucosa are dilated and contain pale eosinophilic material.

Nose, Respiratory epithelium, Glands - Dilation in a male B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. Variably sized dilated glands are present in the lamina propria of the anterior nasal cavity.

Nose, Respiratory epithelium, Glands - Dilation in a female B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. Multiple dilated glands are present in the lamina propria.

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