Collagen fiber and versican distribution within the lamina propria of fetal vocal folds.

Abstract

To analyze the presence and distribution of collagen fibers and versican in human vocal fold lamina propria of fetal larynges. Cross sectional analysis of cadaveric vocal folds of human fetuses. Seven fetal larynges obtained from 28- to 36-week-old fetuses were analyzed with the Picrosirius-polarization method, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis. 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. Our findings suggest that collagen and versican distribution and arrangement within the lamina propria in the developing fetus are important for vocalization at birth.