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We evaluated a possible role for fibrinolytic components in nasal secretion by tissue localization with immunohistochemical techniques and by measuring their antigen concentrations in nasal discharge by means of ELISA and fibrin autography. Nasal mucosa was obtained surgically from the inferior turbinate. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) specific staining was observed in pseudostratified ciliated epithelium and was predominant in mucous cells of the seromucinous gland, while serous cells were almost devoid of stain. The pattern of staining of plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 was similar to that of u-PA. In contrast, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) immunoreactive material was localized exclusively in serous cells of seromucinous glands. Positive staining for tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) was observed in endothelial cells and basal cells, which differentiate into either ciliated or goblet cells. Nasal secretions were partially fractionated by immunospecific antibody-immobilized Sepharose. Subsequent fibrin autography patterns indicated the presence of u-PA, PAI-1, and t-PA. After methacholine provocation, the level of t-PA increased transiently but decreased rapidly with subsequent challenges. These differential stainings of fibrinolytic components and the existence of PAs and PAI-1 in the nasal discharge suggest that the fibrinolytic system may play a role in the movement and fluidity of nasal secretion.

Background Plasminogen activators (PAs) and their inhibitors are thought to play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, there have been few reports in which histologic localization of PAs has been demonstrated in head and neck tumors. Methods We examined the patterns of expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and vitronectin in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas using immunohistochemical techniques. We also studied the correlation between the immunohistologic expression of these fibrinolytic proteins and the clinical staging of the tumor. Results Of 28 tumor specimens, 15 (54%) showed immunoreactivity for u-PA; 8 (36%), for t-PA; and 23 ( 82%), for PAI-1. There was a significant correlation between PAI-1 expression and the extent of the primary tumor. Conclusions The present study demonstrates the existence and possible pathophysiologic significance of u-PA and PAI-1 in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck19: 611–616, 1997.