Expression of Human b-Defensin-1 mRNA in Human Nasal Mucosa.
- Author:
Sang Hag LEE
1
;
Woong Sik KIM
;
Dae Hyung KIM
;
Sung Dong JO
;
Jung Joon KIM
;
Seung Kook PAIK
;
Heung Man LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, korea. Sanghag@ns.kumc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Mucosal defense;
Inferior turbinate mucosa;
RT-PCR;
In situ hybridization
- MeSH:
Colon;
Epithelial Cells;
Epithelium;
Humans*;
Immunity, Innate;
In Situ Hybridization;
Nasal Mucosa*;
Nose;
Peptides;
RNA, Messenger*;
Turbinates
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2000;43(3):282-285
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Antimicrobial peptides are cationic proteins that are found in a wide range of organisms. Recent reports suggest that human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1), a prominent group of antimicrobial peptides, is an important component of the innate immune response, particularly at mucosal surfaces that are vulnerable to colonization by potential pathogens. Therefore, hBD-1 may participate in providing intrinsic nasal mucosal defense against microbial infections. The present study aimed to look for hBD-1 mRNA in apparently normal human nasal mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of hBD-1 mRNA was investigated in the inferior turbinate tissues using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: The expression of hBD-1 mRNA was detected in these tissues. By in situ hybridization, hBD-1 mRNA was predominantly localized in superficial epithelial cells and submucosal glandular epithelium. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that nasal epithelia and submucosal glands may secrete hBD-1 and thus contribute to the mucosal defense of the nose.
