Abstract

To elucidate whether and to what extent CD34+ fibroblasts (so-called CD34+ fibrocytes, CD34+ dendritic cells, and CD34+ stromal cells) occur in normal human vocal folds and in Reinke's edema. Histological study. Conventional, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural procedures were performed in histological blocks of 18 selected cases of Reinke's edema (with typical findings including acellular edematous spaces in the subepithelial connective tissue of vocal folds, and disarrangement of elastic, collagen, and reticular fibers). For control purposes, four normal vocal folds were analyzed. In normal vocal folds, most stromal cells were spindle-shaped CD34+ fibroblasts. In Reinke's edema, increased density and changes in the morphology and size of this subpopulation of fibroblasts were demonstrated in the connective tissue surrounding the edematous spaces, particularly in their borders, where together with some macrophages they formed boundaries, mimicking the walls of distended lymphatic vessels when conventional stains were used. These activated CD34+ fibroblasts acquired a dendritic morphology (with long, moniliform, often bifurcated, overlapping multipolar processes), and their cytoplasmic organelles were increased in number. In addition to CD34, they expressed vimentin, CD10 and CD99, but no α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD31, CD117, CD68, h-caldesmon, desmin, or S-100 protein. CD34+ fibroblasts are a major cell component in the stroma of vocal folds in Reinke's edema, and their activation, with increased density and morphologic changes around the edematous spaces, occurs without immunophenotypic transformation toward myofibroblasts (no expression of α-SMA). The mechanisms by which these cells act in Reinke's edema require further study.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.