In vitro model to evaluate effect of acidic pepsin on vocal fold barrier function

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) pathophysiology and vocal fold impact are unclear.
• Vocal fold barrier function involves mucus and tight junctions.
• Acidic damage may compromise these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop an in vitro system to study vocal fold barrier injury and repair.
• Evaluate the effects of acidic pepsin on vocal fold epithelium.

Main Methods:

• Established a rat vocal fold epithelial in vitro model.
• Exposed the model to acidic pepsin for injury assessment.
• Monitored tight junction permeability and microprojection integrity.

Main Results:

• The in vitro model survived over a week post-maturation.
• Acidic pepsin injured tight junctions and microprojections.
• Both tight junctions and microprojections healed within 24 hours.
• Acidic pepsin increased permeability more than acid alone.
• Pepsin primarily affected protein-based tight junctions.

Conclusions:

• The developed in vitro system effectively models vocal fold chemical injury and repair.
• Acidic pepsin's proteolytic action significantly impacts vocal fold barrier function.
• Findings advance understanding of LPR pathogenesis and vocal fold injury recovery.