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The basilar papilla corresponds to the cochlea of mammals and is becoming a common model of assessment of the regeneration process which takes place after the damage to the inner ear caused by noise or ototoxic drugs. In this study the morphology of a chick's basilar papilla in light and electron microscopy is described. There are two types of hair cells (sensory cells): the tall hair cells and the short hair cells, whose morphology and pattern of innervation are different. The tall hair cells correspond to the inner hair cells in mammals, which are responsible for sound transduction. They are mainly innervated by the afferent (cochlear) fibers. The short hair cells correspond to the outer hair cells in mammals, which are responsible for the sound amplification. They are mainly innervated by the efferent fibers. The supporting cells, whose morphology is also described in the study, separate the hair cells from each other and from the basilar membrane. They are considered to be a source for regenerating hair cells.

Nasal lavage is a useful tool for monitoring of inflammatory process in pollinosis. In 27 patients with pollen allergy the nasal lavage was performed before, during and after pollen season. The concentration of total protein, albumin and lysozyme were determined in obtained fluid. In one group Pollinex (Bencard) was applied before pollen season, and in the second one--placebo in similar injections. The concentrations of total protein in nasal lavage fluid was significantly lower after the pollen season in both analyzed groups. On the other hand, the concentrations of albumin and lysozyme were increased during pollen season relatively to values before and after the season. In patients treated with Pollinex observed values after the season were lower than in placebo group.

The cytological changes and chemotactic activity in nasal lavage fluid were observed in 27 patients with pollen allergy. In one group of patients Pollinex was administered, but in the second--only placebo. Total cell count in nasal secretions was increased after pollen season. The significant increase of eosinophils and metachromatic cells was observed during the season in comparison with the time before and after it. No seasonal dynamic was documented in chemotactic activity of neutrophils in the nasal lavage fluid. Applied immunotherapy gave a some protection on evaluated parameters and observed symptoms.