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Surfactant protein A and D expression in the porcine Eustachian tube 1
Author(s) -
Paananen Reija,
Glumoff Virpi,
Hallman Mikko
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/s0014-5793(99)00602-x
Subject(s) - collectin , eustachian tube , pulmonary surfactant , immunostaining , surfactant protein a , biology , innate immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , immunohistochemistry , chemistry , pathology , middle ear , immunology , anatomy , immune system , biochemistry , medicine
Surfactant proteins A and D are collectins which are considered to play an important role in the innate immunity of lungs. Our aim was to investigate whether surfactant protein A or D is expressed in the porcine Eustachian tube originating from the upper airways. Both surfactant proteins A and D were present in the epithelial cells of the Eustachian tube, as shown by strong immunostaining. Using RT‐PCR and Northern hybridization, these collectins were detected in the Eustachian tube. The present study is the first report demonstrating surfactant protein gene expression in the Eustachian tube. Surfactant proteins A and D may be important in the antibody‐independent protection of the middle ear.