[Electron microscopic observation of vocal fold polyps].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to observe the ultrastructure of the fibroblasts, collagen and elastic fibers in vocal fold polyps.


METHODS
Ten vocal fold polyps and 3 normal vocal fold specimens obtained from total laryngectomy were studied by means of transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope.


RESULTS
The result showed that in vocal fold polyps, the quantity of fibroblasts increased and there were abundant organelles, suggesting that the fibroblast were in the status of activation. As the main cell to produce lamina propria extracellular matrix, the representation suggested that the extracellular matrix metabolism was active. Leucocytes soakage was observed, suggesting that the inflammation may play a role in the lesion. It was found by scanning electron microscopy that in case of lesions, collagen fibers and elastic fibers arrayed irregularly.


CONCLUSIONS
Under pathologic circumstance, fibroblasts, collagen and elastic fibers altered in morphology, which possibly induced the functional alteration.
Huang
Dong-Yan
DY
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, General Hospital Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China.
Yang
Wei-Yan
WY
Sun
Jian-He
JH
Han
Dong-Yi
DY
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011127:Polyps / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D003094:Collagen