Lectin-binding Patterns by ABO Blood Group and the Status of Secretor in Human Nasal Glands

Previous studies revealed variable results of lectin-binding patterns in the nasal glands and the variability might result from not taking account into the ABO blood group and the status of secretor. This study was designed to observe lectin-binding patterns of the human nasal glands according to the ABO blood group and the status of secretor. Inferior turbinates were partially obtained from 85 patients who underwent the intranasal ethmoidectomy or septoplasty. The status of secretor was examined with Lewis ab antigen and saliva test. All specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections were stained with DBA, GSI-B4, UEA-I and SBA using ABC method. DBA, GSI-B4, UEA-I and SBA reactions were influenced by ABO blood group and secretor state. These results suggest that there are blood group specific substances in the human nasal glands and their distribution was influenced by ABO blood group and the secretor state. The maturity of nasal glands and tissue inflammation might be other important factors to be considered in interpreting the results of lectin blinding patterns in human nasal glands.ope