Histochemical demonstration of mucin in lymphatic vessels of human middle ear cholesteatoma.

We investigated the possible existence of mucin in lymphatic vessels in cholesteatoma perimatrix using the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate (PA-TCH-SP) method. Histochemical staining distinguished two types of lymphatic vessels, one of which contained PA-TCH-SP reacting substance showing a loose mesh-like appearance. Connective tissue was edematous around this vessel and was infiltrated by abundant round cells. The second type of lymphatic vessel did not contain PA-TCH-SP reacting substance and few round cells were seen infiltrating tissue around this vessel. Gland-like structures of mucous epithelium in the perimatrix were heavily stained by the PA-TCH-SP method. Secretory granules of the mucous epithelium and its luminal content had a loose mesh-like appearance. Since contents of the gland-like structures may leak through the chinks of epithelial cells into subepidermal connective tissues, the resultant inflow of mucin into the lymphatic vessels may then cause inflammation of the cholesteatoma perimatrix.