Epithelia, epithelium

The mechanism of olfaction has many theories but is not fully understood and is still the subject of research. The nose is the human organ that detects smell (Fig. 5.9). It extends from the face to the end of the palate. In its simplest explanation the two nasal cavities are lined with a mucous membrane, kept moist by the secreted substance mucus. Chemicals in the air entering the nose must dissolve in this mucus before they can be detected. A small area - about the size of a small postage stamp - in the upper part of the nasal cavity contains olfactory cells, which are sensitive to the chemicals in the mucus solution. For a molecule to be detected it must bind specifically to the sensitive cells that act as sensory receptors. The sensory receptors situated in the olfactory epithelium (epithelium is the name given to the outer layer of covering cells) are believed to bind specifically with substances according to the shape of their molecules. 

Breast ductal epithelium, epithelium of lung, GIT, biliary tract, pancreas, female genital tract and apocrine glands, meso-thelial cells... 

The corneal epithelium (epithelium cornea anterior layer) is made up of epithelial tissue and covers the front of the cornea (Figure 51.4). It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea, resisting the free flow of fluids from the tears, and prevents bacteria and also therapeutic drugs from entering the epithelium and corneal stroma. The epithelium of the cornea consists of five to six layers of cells packed closely and connected by tight junctions. The cornea is composed of five layers epithelium, Bowman s membrane, stroma, Descemet s membrane, and endothelium, each of alternating polarity. This sandwich-like structure makes the cornea a crucial barrier to most lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. To penetrate these layers, optimal lipophilicity for the permeant corresponds to log D values of 2-3. °... 

In humans, cases of dermatitis have been described after contact with DHBs. Combined exposure to hydroquinone and quinone airborne concentrations causes eye irritation, sensitivity to light, injury of the corneal epithelium, and visual disturbances (126). Cases with an appreciable loss of vision have occurred (127). Long-term exposure causes staining due to irritation or allergy of the conjunctiva and cornea and also opacities. Resorcinol and catechol are also irritants for eyes. 

Toxicology. The acute oral and dermal toxicity of naphthalene is low with LD q values for rats from 1780—2500 mg/kg orally (41) and greater than 2000 mg/kg dermally. The inhalation of naphthalene vapors may cause headache, nausea, confusion, and profuse perspiration, and if exposure is severe, vomiting, optic neuritis, and hematuria may occur (28). Chronic exposure studies conducted by the NTP ia mice for two years showed that naphthalene caused irritation to the nasal passages, but no other overt toxicity was noted. Rabbits that received 1—2 g/d of naphthalene either orally or hypodermically developed changes ia the lens of the eye after a few days, foUowed by definite opacity of the lens after several days (41). Rare cases of such corneal epithelium damage ia humans have been reported (28). Naphthalene can be irritating to the skin, and hypersensitivity does occur. 

Although the nose houses and protects the cells that perceive odor, it does not direcdy participate in odor perception. The primary function of the nose is to direct a stream of air into the respiratory passages. While this function is occurring, a small fraction of the inhaled air passes over the olfactory epithelium, located 5—8 cm inside the nasal passages. This olfactory area occupies about 6.45 cm (one square inch) of surface in each side of the nose. 

According to the chemical theory of olfaction, the mechanism by which olfaction occurs is the emittance of particles by the odorous substances. These particles are conveyed to the olfactory epithelium by convection, diffusion, or both, and dkecdy or indkectly induce chemical changes in the olfactory receptors. 

Whipworm (Trichuris trichiurd) adult females are 5 cm long. These worms thread their entire body into the epithelium of the colon, where they feed on tissue juice and small amounts of blood. Infections of several hundred worms may cause irritation and inflammation of the mucosa, with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gas. Eggs are discharged and passed into the feces. Infections result from the swallowing of eggs that are obtained directly from contaminated soil. Untreated adult worms Hve for years. 

Vaginal Rings. Vaginal epithelium is readily permeable to contraceptive steroids. Since the vascular drainage of the vagina bypasses the Hver, this route of adrninistration potentially permits utilisation of dmgs that have low oral activity. 

The use of a bioadhesive, polymeric dosage form for sustained dehvery raises questions about swallowing or aspirating the device. The surface area is small, and patient comfort should be addressed by designing a small (less than 2 cm ), thin (less than 0.1 mm (4 mil) thick) device that conforms to the mucosal surface. The buccal route may prove useful for peptide or protein dehvery because of the absence of protease activity in the sahva. However, the epithelium is relatively tight, based on its electrophysiological properties. An average conductance in the dog is 1 mS/cm (57) as compared to conductances of about 27 and 10 mS/cm in the small intestine and nasal mucosa, respectively (58,59) these may be classified as leaky epitheha. 

Odors are perceived via the olfactory system, which is composed of two organs in the nose the olfactory epithelium, a very small area in the nasal system, and the trigeminal nerve endings, which are much more widely distributed in the nasal cavity (11). The olfactory epithelium is extremely sensitive, and humans often sniff to bring more odorant in contact with this area. The trigeminal nerves initiate protective reflexes, such as sneezing or interruption of irrhalation, with exposure to noxious odorants. 

Direct eye contact with liquid produces injury, generally transient, to the corneal epithelium. The liquid is mildly imtating to the skin due to the degreasing effect repeated contact may cause dermatitis. Ingestion of substantial quantities of liquid can damage the mucous membranes, and produce acute effects ranging from mild discomfort to profound anaesdiesia. 

Airway cross-sections have the nominal anatomy shown in Fig. 5.16. Airway surface liquid (AST), primarily composed of mucus gel and water, surrounds the airway lumen with a thickness thought to vary from 5 to 10 mm. AST lies on the apical surface of airway epithelial cells (mostly columnar ciliated epithelium). This layer of cells, roughly two to three cells thick in proximal airways and eventually thinning to a single cell thickness in distal airways, rests along a basement membrane on its basal surface. Connective tissue (collagen fibers, basement membranes, elastin, and water) lies between the basement membrane and airway smooth muscle. Edema occurs when the volume of water within the connective tissue increases considerably. Interspersed within the smooth muscle are respiratory supply vessels (capillaries, arteriovenous anastomoses), nerves, and lymphatic vessels. 

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