Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2016 Mar;9(1):56-61. 10.21053/ceo.2016.9.1.56.

Histological Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Chronic Vocal Fold Scarring in a Rat Model

• Tateya I
• Tateya T
• Sohn JH
• Bless DM

• KMID: 2166290
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2016.9.1.56

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Vocal fold scarring is one of the most challenging laryngeal disorders to treat and there are currently no consistently effective treatments available. Our previous studies have shown the therapeutic potential of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for vocal fold scarring. However, the histological effects of bFGF on scarred vocal fold have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the histological effects of bFGF on chronic vocal fold scarring.
METHODS
Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into phosphate buffered saline (sham) and bFGF groups. Unilateral vocal fold stripping was performed and the drug was injected into the scarred vocal fold for each group 2 months postoperatively. Injections were performed weekly for 4 weeks. Two months after the last injection, larynges were harvested and histologically analyzed.
RESULTS
A significant increase of hyaluronic acid was observed in the vocal fold of the bFGF group compared with that of the sham group. However, there was no remarkable change in collagen expression nor in vocal fold contraction.
CONCLUSION
Significant increase of hyaluronic acid by local bFGF injection was thought to contribute to the therapeutic effects on chronic vocal fold scarring.

Keyword

Vocal Cords; Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Hyaluronic Acid; Collagen

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cicatrix*
Collagen
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2*
Hyaluronic Acid
Models, Animal*
Rats*
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Vocal Cords*
Collagen
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
Hyaluronic Acid

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Representative samples of hyaluronic acid expression (blue) in normal (A) and treated groups (B, C) stained by Alcian Blue stain. The scale bar at the bottom of the figure indicates 50 μm. bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor.

• 

  Fig. 2. The average ratio of hyaluronic acid (HA) seen with Alcian Blue staining in the treated vocal fold compared to the ratio in the contra lateral normal vocal fold. Sham groups showed a significant lower HA level compared to the normal control whereas basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) group showed no significant difference. *Significant difference (P<0.01) from normal control.

• 

  Fig. 3. Representative samples of collagen expression (blue) in normal (A) and treated groups (B, C) stained by Trichrome stain. The scale bar at the bottom of the figure indicates 50 μm. bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor.

• 

  Fig. 4. The average ratio of collagen seen with Trichrome staining in the treated vocal fold compared to the ratio in the contra lateral normal vocal fold. bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor.

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  Fig. 5. Thickness of lamina propria in treated groups compared to the contralateral normal side. bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor.

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