J Korean Soc Laryngol Phoniatr Logoped.  2020 Dec;31(2):66-70. 10.22469/jkslp.2020.31.2.66.

Histologic Analysis of Vocal Folds in Aging Rats

• Shin SC
• Kim JM
• Kwon HK
• Cheon YI
• Lee BJ

• KMID: 2511142
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22469/jkslp.2020.31.2.66

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Presbyphonia is characterized by hoarse, breathy, weak vocal intensity. Extracellular matrix (ECM) in lamina propria (LP) of the vocal folds play an important role in voice production, and change of ECM according to the aging leads to the presbyphonia. The aim of this study was to investigate the histologic analysis of aging vocal fold of rat. Materials and Method Six and twenty two months old Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8, each group) were used and classified into young (six months old rats) and old (twenty two months old rats) group. Histologic analysis and immunohistochemical staining for ECM of LP were performed.
Results
Overall cellular density was significantly decreased in old rat group. Elastin fibers of LP were significantly decreased in old rat group. Type I collagen was significantly increased in old rat group. Type III collagen did not show significant difference. Hyaluronic acids did not show significant difference in Alcian blue staining and immunohistochemical staining.
Conclusion
Decreased general cellular density and elastin fiber and increased type I collagen were observed in the LP of vocal folds of aging rats. These ECM changes might to contribute the aging voice.

Keyword

Aging; Vocal folds; Extracellular matrix; Histology; 노화; 성대; 세포외 기질; 조직