Bicarbonate availability for vocal fold epithelial defense to acidic challenge

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Epithelial Biology
• Acid-Base Homeostasis

Background:

• Bicarbonate is essential for maintaining acid-base balance in tissues.
• Acidic insults to the larynx are linked to conditions like gastric reflux, cancer, and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function of bicarbonate ion transport in vocal fold epithelial defense against acid challenges.
• To explore the potential of bicarbonate as a therapeutic agent for laryngeal pH abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Ion transport was measured in porcine vocal fold epithelium.
• Epithelia were exposed to acetazolamide, bicarbonate-free buffers, or acid challenges.
• Transepithelial resistance was assessed to evaluate barrier integrity.

Main Results:

• Vocal fold epithelium demonstrated robust barrier integrity with high transepithelial resistance.
• Exposure to acetazolamide or bicarbonate-free buffers did not significantly alter ion transport.
• Acid challenge led to an increase in ion transport, particularly when bicarbonate-free buffer was applied basolaterally.

Conclusions:

• Bicarbonate secretion may play a role in protecting the vocal fold epithelium from acid exposure.
• These findings suggest a potential therapeutic application for bicarbonate in managing laryngeal pH imbalances and associated pathologies.