Expression of human β-defensin 2 in human nasal mucosa

Po Hsu Chen, Sheen Yie Fang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Human β-defensin (HBD)-2, an antimicrobial peptide, has been discovered to be produced by a number of epithelial cells. It is identified as a key element in the innate host defense mechanism. Because little is known about the expression of HBD-2 in the human sinonasal tract, we conducted this study to investigate the expression of the HBD-2 mRNA gene by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and localization of HBD-2 peptide by immunohistochemistry in human nasal inferior turbinates and nasal polyps. RT-PCR showed significantly higher expression of HBD-2 mRNA in nasal polyps than in inferior turbinates. Using immunohistochemistry, HBD-2 peptide was predominately localized in surface epithelial cells. Thus, it is feasible that HBD-2 is expressed in nasal mucosa and is upregulated in a condition of chronic inflammation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)238-241
Number of pages4
JournalEuropean Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Volume261
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004 May

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Expression of human β-defensin 2 in human nasal mucosa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this