Histologic characterization of rat vocal fold scarring.
This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of rat vocal fold scarring by examining the alteration of key components in the extracellular matrix: hyaluronic acid, collagen, and fibronectin. Under monitoring with a 1.9-mm-diameter telescope, unilateral vocal fold stripping was performed, and larynges were harvested at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation. The vocal folds were histologically analyzed with Alcian blue stain, trichrome stain, and immunofluorescence of collagen type I, collagen type III, and fibronectin. The scarred vocal folds showed less hyaluronic acid and more collagen types I and III than did the controls at all time points. Type III was stable for 12 weeks, while type I declined until 8 weeks and thereafter remained unchanged. Fibronectin increased for 4 weeks and then decreased; it was close to the control level at 8 and 12 weeks. These results suggest that the tissue remodeling process in scarred vocal folds slows down around 2 months after wounding.
Tateya
Tomoko
T
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Tateya
Ichiro
I
Sohn
Jin Ho
JH
Bless
Diane M
DM
D000818:Animals; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000378:metabolism; D024061:Collagen Type III / Q000378:metabolism; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000378:metabolism; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*
D024042:Collagen Type I; D024061:Collagen Type III; D005353:Fibronectins; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid