Tissue density and state of activation of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa of allergic and nonallergic rhinopathic patients.

The tissue density of eosinophils and the degree of activation of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa of allergic and nonallergic rhinopathic patients were studied by a combination of the immunogold method, which uses EG2 antibody which binds to the secreted form of eosinophils, and the Luna method. The tissue density of eosinophils and the degree of EG2-positivity were higher in the allergic nasal mucosa than in the nonallergic nasal mucosa. The eosinophils in the tissue were mainly EG2-positive in contrast with those in the vessels. Epithelial shedding was rarely observed and was not related to the tissue density of eosinophils or EG2-positivity. Our results suggest that the eosinophils in the allergic nasal mucosa are activated in the tissue, not in the vessel.