Mucin gene expression in hypertrophic adenoids

Conclusion. Membrane-bound mucin MUC4 represents the predominant mucin expressed in the adenoid epithelium followed by MUC5AC (gel-forming mucin). This may suggest that membrane-bound mucins could be involved in pathogen binding and immunological stimulation. Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate mucin expression in hypertrophic adenoids. Materials and methods. Adenoidal samples were obtained from 12 children. The expression of eight mucin genes, MUC1-4, MUC5AC, 5B, 6 and 7 was studied by in situ hybridization utilizing digoxigenin-labelled oligonucleotide probes. Results. The dominant mucin genes were MUC4, 3 and 5AC, while MUC1, 2, 5B and 7 were sparsely expressed and MUC6 was not expressed. Expression patterns were very different from those in the upper airways. Most samples expressed two membrane-bound mucins ( MUC4 and 3) and one secretory mucin ( MUC5AC).