[Effect of radiotherapy on the function of the ciliated epithelium in the larynx]

Five human larynges, obtained by surgery, were examined by light and electron microscopy and with an operating microscope, searching for signs of ciliary activity. In two larynges the mucociliary waves could be seen in the subglottic space, whereas a mucociliary transport could not be proved. Via light microscopy, fully ciliated epithelium was found in some cases, in other cases ciliated epithelium was seen only occasionally, whereas in some cases it was absent, substituted by squamous epithelium. The ciliary ultrastructure was normal. The author discusses whether the ciliated structure survives radiotherapy, or whether a regeneration occurs from untreated areas.