Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2025
09:52
An Implantable System For Chronic In Vivo Electromyography
Published on: April 21, 2020
10.7K
Enhanced Abductor Function in Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis with Muscle Stem Cells
Randal C Paniello1, Sarah Brookes2, Hongji Zhang3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|July 18, 2023
Summary
Autologous muscle stem cell therapy improved vocal fold function in a canine model of bilateral vocal fold paralysis. This approach shows promise for treating airway obstruction caused by this condition.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Stem Cell Therapy
Background:
- Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP) causes airway obstruction due to loss of posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle function.
- Previous studies showed autologous muscle progenitor (stem) cell implantation improved adductor function in thyroarytenoid muscles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of autologous muscle stem cell implantation in the PCA muscles of a canine model with BVFP.
Main Methods:
- Two canines with surgically induced BVFP underwent recurrent laryngeal nerve repair.
- Muscle stem cells were implanted into one PCA muscle, with the contralateral side serving as a control.
- Glottal resistance (GR) and glottal opening force (GOF) were measured, alongside histologic analysis.
Main Results:
- Stem cell treatment improved GR by 10%-14% over baseline at 6 months, compared to 21%-25% at 2 months without treatment.
- PCA muscle GOF was significantly higher in stem cell-treated sides (78%-83%) versus control sides (61%-65%).
- Histology confirmed stem cell survival and a 50% increase in motor endplate innervation on treated sides.
Conclusions:
- Autologous muscle stem cells demonstrate potential as a novel therapy for BVFP.
- Further research is required to optimize cell dosage, timing, and other factors before clinical trials.
