Characterization of aged rat vocal fold fibroblasts

Yoshitaka Kawai, Yo Kishimoto, Tohru Sogami, Ryo Suzuki, Takuya Tsuji, Nao Hiwatashi, Ichiro Tateya, Shin Ichi Kanemaru, Tatsuo Nakamura, Koichi Omori, Shigeru Hirano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: To elucidate the aging physiology of the vocal folds, we examined the characters of aged vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs) in various conditions. Study Design: In vitro study. Methods: VFFs from young (12-week-old) and aged (19-month-old) Sprague-Dawley rats were compared. Proliferative capacity, ratio of myofibroblast to fibroblast, myofibroblast function, and extracellular matrix production were examined in the following conditions: naïve, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) supplemented, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) supplemented. Results: Aged VFFs demonstrated reduced proliferation by cell counting, though the ratio of Ki-67–positive cells showed no difference. Aged VFFs exhibited an increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA); however, they demonstrated no enhanced contractile ability in a gel contraction assay. Type I collagen protein was increased age dependently, accompanied with decreased Mmp1 and unchanged Col1a1 transcription. Type I collagen protein and α-SMA represented quite similar reduction patterns to bFGF or HGF administration. Conclusions: The following possible characteristics of aged VFFs were implied: long duration of mitosis, increased myofibroblast population size with certain dysfunctions, reduced type I collagen turnover, and correlation between α-SMA expression and type I collagen metabolism. Further investigations of these features will help to clarify presbyphonia's pathology and establish treatment strategies. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 129:E94–E101, 2019.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E94-E101
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume129
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03-2019
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterization of aged rat vocal fold fibroblasts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this