Comparative Three-Dimensional Fine Structures of the Rabbit Vocal Fold Using Correlative Light and Electron...

Area of Science:

• Comparative anatomy
• Microscopy techniques
• Vocalization research

Background:

• Understanding vocal fold (VF) structure is crucial for vocalization research and animal modeling.
• Previous studies have primarily focused on human VF anatomy, with limited comparative data from animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the comparative fine structures of rabbit vocal folds (VF) using correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• To elucidate the functional mechanisms and structural differences between rabbit and human VF.

Main Methods:

• Examination of seven normal New Zealand White Rabbit vocal folds.
• Application of CLEM and TEM techniques to analyze VF fine structures.

Main Results:

• Rabbit VF lacked macula flava and vocal ligament, unlike human VF.
• Fibrous component distribution in the lamina propria (LP) was similar to humans.
• CLEM identified spindle-shaped and oval-shaped cells in the rabbit VF LP.
• Amorphous materials were observed originating from fibroblast vesicles.
• Stellate cells with lipid droplets, present in human macula flava, were absent in rabbit VF.

Conclusions:

• The CLEM technique is valuable for observing fine structures in animal models, facilitating comparative studies.
• Rabbits possess suitable VF fibrous components for animal experiments, but researchers must acknowledge species-specific structural differences.
• CLEM is expected to be widely applied in future animal experiments for evaluating VF fine structures across small species.