title: Collagen fiber and versican distribution within the lamina propria of fetal vocal folds.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the presence and distribution of collagen fibers and versican in human vocal fold lamina propria of fetal larynges.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional analysis of cadaveric vocal folds of human fetuses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven fetal larynges obtained from 28- to 36-week-old fetuses were analyzed with the Picrosirius-polarization method, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Collagen fibers within the lamina propria exhibited a monolaminar distribution pattern and spatial arrangement in "wicker basket." Versican distribution was larger in the superficial and intermediate layers when compared to the deep layer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that collagen and versican distribution and arrangement within the lamina propria in the developing fetus are important for vocalization at birth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. rbbuhler@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Rogerio Borghi
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Buhler
authors.forename: Luiz U
authors.initials: LU
authors.lastname: Sennes
authors.forename: Thais
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mauad
authors.forename: Erich Christiano M
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Melo
authors.forename: Luiz Fernando F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Paulo Hilário N
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Saldiva
mesh_terms: D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D050497:Stillbirth; D053675:Versicans / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D053675:Versicans; D003094:Collagen