An immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic study of vascular endothelial cells in vocal fold polyps

Gelatinous and telangiectatic types can be differentiated among the human vocal fold polyps. Telangiectatic polyps are characterized by eosinophilic deposits consisting of fibrin and cellular blood constituents. Labyrinthine vascular channels are characteristic of these polyps, and are partially or completely lined by a single layer of flat cells. Using electron microscopy and immunohistochemical stainings (antibodies against factor VIII-related antigen, Ulex europaeus I lectin, and antibodies against lysozyme), we found that the lining cells are true vascular endothelial cells and are not organizing histiocytic cells that are arranged in an endothelial-like pattern.