Distributional characteristics of lymphatic vessels in normal human nasal mucosa and sinus mucosa

Abstract

An immunohistochemical staining technique with the D2-40 antibody was undertaken to examine the functional and morphological features of lymphatic networks in tissue sections and whole-mount preparations of normal nasal mucosa and ethmoid sinus mucosa. In normal nasal mucosa, most lymphatic vessels were found in the superficial mucosa beneath the epithelial layer. Some of these vessels were dilated, whereas others were compressed and had a slit-like lumen. Whole-mount preparations revealed the extent of lymphatic vessels in normal ethmoid sinus mucosa. A network of lymphatic vessels was mainly found in the subepithelial layer, where lymphatic vessels represented rich networks, possessing antler-like branches and typical blind ends. However, these lymphatic networks were not arranged in the form of lymphangion chains, with each lymphangion consisting of a contractile compartment and valve. Thus, recognition of the distinctive features of the lymphatic network in normal nasal and sinus mucosa might aid investigations of lymphatic involvement in sinonasal diseases, such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and malignancy.

Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetics of Intranasal Drug Delivery for Targeting Cervical Lymph Nodes in Rats

“…It is assumed that the low molecular weight of MTX promotes easy transfer from the submucosal layer to the blood vessels, whereas molecular weights exceeding 5000 are generally advantageous for transport of molecules from the subcutaneous or submucosal layer to lymphatic vessels [ 18 ]. Additionally, the superficial network of lymphatic capillaries, which is located at almost the same depth [ 19 , 20 ], is not well situated for small-molecule drug distribution compared to the network of blood capillaries that are present close to the epithelium. Although the transport of MTX from the submucosal layer to the CLN is not easy, it is predominant during i.n.…”

The Utility of Sentinel Node Biopsy for Sinonasal Melanoma

“…10 On histologic examination, nasal lymphatic channels are predominately found in the mucosa just deep to the epithelial lining and less commonly in the submucosa. 11 Pan et al reported on using novel cadaveric imaging technique to map lymphatic channels in the nasal cavity and found a robust, valveless interconnected network of lymphatic channels that follow two distinct pathways from the nasal cavity and nasopharynx to the retropharyngeal and the level 2 cervical chain nodes. 10 Fernandez et al performed a clinical evaluation of drainage patterns after injection of radiocolloid into the head of the inferior turbinate and demonstrated that the majority of the drainage was to level 1 and level 2 cervical lymph nodes and less commonly to the retropharynx.…”