Collagen fiber and versican distribution within the lamina propria of fetal vocal folds.
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.
Buhler
Rogerio Borghi
RB
Department of Otolaryngology, the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. rbbuhler@uol.com.br
Sennes
Luiz U
LU
Mauad
Thais
T
Melo
Erich Christiano M
EC
Silva
Luiz Fernando F
LF
Saldiva
Paulo Hilário N
PH
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*
D053675:Versicans; D003094:Collagen