Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
14:15
A Heterotopic Mouse Model for Studying Laryngeal Transplantation
Published on: January 13, 2023
Surgical method to create vocal fold injuries in mice
Masaru Yamashita1, Diane M Bless, Nathan V Welham
1Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|March 31, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed a new endoscopic surgical method to create vocal fold injuries in mice. This technique enables future studies on vocal fold wound healing and scar formation using genetically engineered models.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Vocal fold injuries impact voice quality and can lead to scarring.
- Understanding vocal fold wound healing is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Current models may not fully recapitulate human vocal fold complexities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reproducible endoscopic surgical technique for inducing vocal fold injuries in mice.
- To serve as a foundation for utilizing genetically engineered mouse models in vocal fold research.
- To investigate early healing responses in surgically induced vocal fold injuries.
Main Methods:
- Development and fabrication of specialized laryngoscope and micro-instruments for endoscopic surgery.
- Surgical induction of vocal fold injuries in seven FVB strain mice.
- Histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin) and immunohistochemical analyses of vocal fold tissues at 1 and 7 days post-injury.
- Evaluation of collagen type I and elastin distribution in the lamina propria.
Main Results:
- Successful endoscopic visualization and vocal fold stripping, exposing the thyroarytenoid muscle in all subjects.
- Histological analysis revealed a simple lamina propria structure with uniform collagen and elastin distribution in controls.
- Surgical injury resulted in mucosal obliteration at 1 day and complete reepithelialization by 7 days post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- The endoscopic approach provides a feasible and reproducible method for creating vocal fold injuries in mice.
- The mouse lamina propria exhibits a relatively simple histological structure, necessitating careful consideration when translating findings.
- This model system holds promise for future research into vocal fold healing and scar prevention.
