Mucoid Degeneration
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Introduction
- Mucoid degeneration is also known as mucinous or myxomatous degeneration.
- Mucoid degeneration involves changes in epithelial tissue or the extracellular matrix/ ground substance.
- An extracellular phenomenon of some specific cells.
- Tend to show a bluish tinge in H&E stained sections.
Epithelium
- The specific cells involved in mucoid degeneration in the eptihelium are:
- The goblet cells of wet mucous membranes.
- The mucous glands themselves.
- This is not really a degeneration, but an increased production of mucin.
- It is a beneficial reaction; the product
- Is important as a lubricant.
- Soothes inflamed surfaces.
- Traps and dilutes harmful agents.
- Carries specific antibodies against infectious agents.
- Provides a means for removal of infectious agents.
- It is a beneficial reaction; the product
Connective tissue
- Here, the mucin forms part of the ground substance between the fibroblasts that produce it.
- A disturbance in the metabolism of the fibroblasts under some circumstances,means the ground substance takes on a bluish hue in H&E sections.
- Mucoid degeneration in the heart valves of middle-aged and older dogs is a common example.
- Causes endocardiosis.
- A condition specific to the dog.
- Causes endocardiosis.