Canine Vocal Fold Fibroblasts in Culture: Expression of alpha-Smooth Muscle Actinand Modulation of Elastin Synthesis

摘要

Fibroblasts from canine vocal fold tissue have been isolated and maintained inculture. These cells express vimentin and a-smooth muscle actin, the characteristic marker of myofibroblast differentiation. Elastin production by vocal fold fibroblasts was compared to that of skin fibroblasts. The effects of transforming growth factor-Beta and hydrocortisone on elastin production were examined. Vocal fold fibroblasts in culture have a high elastogenic capacity compared to skin fibroblasts, and their elastin production can be enhanced by hydrocortisone (1.3uM) and TCF-Beta (10ng/ml). We conclude that the cells within the vocal fold are myofibroblastic in nature, and have high elastogenic potential in vitro. We suggest that connective tissue remodelling may be a continuous process in the vocal fold.