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Apoptosis in the developing human cricoid cartilage: a pilot study.
1Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114, USA. leila_mankarious@meei.harvard.edu
Summary
Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is crucial for normal development. This study shows apoptosis actively shapes fetal and neonatal cricoid cartilage, decreasing with age, and its deficiency may cause stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is essential for normal development.
- Defects in apoptosis can result in developmental abnormalities like congenital subglottic stenosis.
- The role of apoptosis in cricoid cartilage development requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of apoptosis in human cricoid cartilage across different age groups.
- To understand the contribution of apoptosis to the growth and remodeling of the cricoid cartilage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in situ end labeling to detect fragmented DNA (3'-OH ends).
- Examined 5 normal human cricoid cartilage specimens of progressively older ages.
- Qualitatively assessed apoptosis activity in relation to age.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis was highly active in fetal and neonatal human cricoid cartilage specimens.
- Apoptosis activity significantly decreased with advancing age.
- Minimal to no apoptosis was observed in 4- and 13-year-old specimens.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis plays a critical role in the expansion of human cricoid cartilage.
- The decline in apoptosis with age suggests its primary importance in early development and growth.
- Understanding apoptosis in cricoid cartilage development is key to addressing related congenital abnormalities.