Regeneration of nasopharyngeal epithelium in Macaca fascicularis

Abstract

Regeneration of the nasopharyngeal epithelium in Macaca fascicularis occurs as a result of migration of epithelial cells from the margins of the lesion as well as from the neighboring glandular ducts and epithelial crypts. The study further reveals that the basal cells are the progenitors of both goblet and ciliated cells. The regenerating epithelium at first consists of mucus containing cells which are finally converted into normal goblet and ciliated cells. The formation of centrioles and concurrent reduction in the amount of 'mucus' droplets, and rearrangement of centrioles towards the luminal surface of the cells along with simultaneous development of cilia in some of these mucus containing cells are stages in the differentiation of ciliated cells. However, some cells which do not possess secretory droplets may also develop into ciliated cells directly.