Cytoskeleton of newborn vocal fold stellate cells.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Vocal fold stellate cells (VFSCs) in the human maculae flavae located at both ends of the vocal fold mucosa are inferred to be involved in the metabolism of extracellular matrices of the vocal fold mucosa. Tension caused by phonation (vocal fold vibration) likely regulates the behavior of the VFSCs in the human maculae flava. Tensile and compressive strains have direct effects on cell morphology and structure, including changes in cytoskeletal structure and organization. Cytoskeletons play a role as mechanoreceptors for the cells. The microstructure of the intermediate filaments and the expression of their characteristic proteins were investigated regarding the human newborn VFSCs. STUDY DESIGN Histopathologic analysis of the human newborn vocal fold. METHODS Three newborn vocal fold mucosae were investigated by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. RESULTS The intermediate filaments in the cytoplasm of the newborn VFSCs were few in number. However, their characteristic proteins (vimentin, desmin, GFAP [Glial fibrillary acidic protein], cytokeratin) had already expressed. CONCLUSION The function and fate of VFSCs are regulated by various microenvironmental factors. Not only chemical factors but also mechanical factors could also modulate VFSC behaviors. The cytoskeletal structure of the newborn VFSCs is under development. And the newborn VFSCs have not acquired mechanical regulation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.