Use of mixed glycosidase for the removal of mucus from the rat nasal epithelium in SEM studies

Abstract The surface layer of mucus, which obscures the epithelium from view, is a major obstacle when performing scanning electron microscopic studies of the nasal mucosa. Samples treated with a 1% mixed glycosidase solution for 1 or 2 minutes, followed by agitation, removed most of the mucus from the conchae without damaging the underlying epithelium. Removal of mucus allows the complete evaluation of the underlying epithelium in normal animals and the localization and characterization of lesions in animals exposed to nasal toxicants.