title: A preclinical model for laryngeal transplantation: anatomy and mucosal immunology of the porcine larynx.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A major step in translating work on laryngeal transplantation into clinical practice is the establishment of a preclinical model. We have investigated the anatomy and mucosal immunology of the porcine larynx in eight Minnesota Minipigs (12-37 weeks).
  
  
  METHODS
  Neck dissections were carried out and the vascular tree was mapped. Snap-frozen biopsies from epiglottis, supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis were prepared for conventional histology, immunohistochemistry (CD45), and single and two-color immunofluorescence (CD3, MHC-II, CD45).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The anatomy of the laryngeal skeleton was broadly similar to that of the human larynx. The blood supply is predominantly via the caudal thyroid vessels, with assistance from the cranial laryngeal artery. The porcine larynx is clearly highly immunologically active. Structured collections of leukocytes were found in the mucosal epithelium, around tubuloacinar glands, and occasionally in the submucosa. MHC-II and CD 3 cells were predominantly found within the epithelium. The highest densities of all cell types were observed in the epiglottis, tailing off caudally. The lowest densities were seen in the vocal cords.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The porcine larynx is both anatomically and immunologically similar to the human larynx and contains a high level of immunological organization. It presents an ideal preclinical model for laryngeal transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: G K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Gorti
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Birchall
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haverson
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Macchiarini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bailey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D007830:Larynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000637:transplantation*; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
chemical_list: D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens