Computers in histopathology.

stated, " almost exclusively non-sulphated". This does not detract, however , from the important finding of intense focal sulphomucin positivity in our case. We also agree that increased sulphomucins may be found in other epithelial sites in non-cystic fibrosis inflammatory disorders. In our paper we made no attempt to attribute directly the increased viscosity and other properties of cystic fibrosis mucus to increased sulphate production, though this was obviously implied. None the less, if this is the case it seems likely that the amount of sulphomucin produced, and not merely its presence, would be a decisive factor. Furthermore, any such effect would tend to be heightened in the terminal ileum due to the consistency of the faecal stream and the reduced diameter of the gut at the ileo-caecal valve. In 1965 Dr Lev and Dr Spicer stated that "the histochemically observed increase in sulfomucin (in cystic fibrosis) may be related to the abnormality of the secretion ." While it is difficult to draw general conclusions from a single case we are surely implying no more than that. It is interesting that, 19 years on, Dr Lev appears to be modifying his conclusions in a letter to this journal.