Characterisation of adherens and tight junctional molecules in normal animal larynx; determining a suitable model for studying molecular abnormalities in human laryngopharyngeal reflux.
BACKGROUND
The disruption of intercellular junctions in the larynx is a pathological feature of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Good experimental models are necessary to gain greater insight into the molecular mechanisms and alterations that result from abnormal exposure of the laryngeal epithelium to acid refluxate.


OBJECTIVE
To characterise laryngeal tissues from different species to determine the most suitable for use in experimental studies of LPR.


METHODS
Human and non-human laryngeal tissues (mouse, rat, guinea pig, porcine, and rabbit) were studied. Histological characterisation was performed by light microscopy. The expression and subcellular localisation of adherens junctional molecules (E-cadherin and beta catenin) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and tight junction molecules (occludin and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1)) by western blotting. The ultrastructural features of porcine and human tissue were assessed by electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Porcine tissue revealed both respiratory-type and stratified squamous epithelium, as seen in the human larynx. The expression and subcellular localisation of the E-cadherin-catenin complex was detected in all species except mouse and rat. The pattern of ZO-1 and occludin expression was preserved in all species.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of intercellular junctional complexes in porcine epithelium is similar to that seen in humans. These results confirm the suitability of these species to study molecular mechanisms of LPR in an experimental system.
Gill
G A
GA
Division of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bristol Royal Infirmary, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK.
Buda
A
A
Moorghen
M
M
Dettmar
P W
PW
Pignatelli
M
M
D022005:Adherens Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000378:metabolism*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007830:Larynx / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D013045:Species Specificity; D013552:Swine; D019108:Tight Junctions / Q000378:metabolism*; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000378:metabolism
D015820:Cadherins; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D051176:beta Catenin