Distribution and density of goblet cells in the middle ear in children.

On dissected mucosa stained by the PAS-alcian blue whole-mount method the density and distribution of goblet cells in various parts of the middle ear was determined in 13 children, ranging in age from 9 days to 14 years. Goblet cells, of an irregular distribution, were found in all parts of the middle ear, but in varying density, decreasing in a given sequence from the hypotympanum anteriorly, posteriorly, promontory anteriorly and in the middle, niches of the oval and round windows, epitympanum, antrum, posterior part of the promontory, and mastoid process. During pathological actions, especially tubal occlusion, the goblet-cell density increases in all parts, simultaneously with epithelial metaplasia and new-formation of mucous glands. When the pathological stimulus ceases, the goblet-cell density again falls. In entirely normal infants and in children aged 2-4 years the goblet-cell density was found to be somewhat higher than in normal adults.