Immunohistochemical analysis of aquaporins in the fetal and adult vocal fold.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to identify and compare the presence and location of aquaporins in the fetal and adult larynx using immunohistochemical techniques. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was performed on adult and fetal true vocal fold specimens. The presence and location of aquaporins -1, -2 and -3 in the fetal specimens were then compared to the adult specimens. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a homogenous distribution of aquaporin -3 in the cell cytoplasm of adult lamina propria with a higher concentration in the superficial layer. Aquaporins -1 and -2 were not identified in either the adult specimens. No evidence of aquaporins were identified in the fetal lamina propria. CONCLUSION Aquaporin -3 was found in the lamina propria of adult true vocal cord specimens with a higher concentration in the superficial layer. No evidence of Aquaporins -1, -2, or -3 was found in fetal specimens.