An immunohistological study of nasal and paranasal mucosa of patients with relapsing chronic sinusitis.

Mucosal specimens from patients with chronic sinusitis have been immunohistologically investigated. Secretory IgA was found decreased in type 1 (relapsing type sinusitis) whereas C3 was increased. Lysozyme was decreased or deplated in longstanding cases (type 2). Fibronectin was found both in type 1 and type 2 chronic sinusitis. It was concluded that depletion of IgA and lysozyme with activation of C3 and fibronectin interferes with the successful treatment of sinusitis.