Elucidation of the three-dimensional fine structure of the vocal fold using FIB/SEM tomography and Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K16907
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56050:Otorhinolaryngology-related
• Research Institution: Kurume University
• Principal Investigator: Sato Kiminobu 久留米大学, 医学部, 助教 (30738852)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 喉頭 / 声帯 / CLEM法

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Human vocal fold is composed of epithelium, lamina propria, vocal fold muscle and cartilage. The aim of this study is to clarify the three-dimensional fine structure of vocal fold using FIB/SEM tomography and Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM) technique. In this study, we clarified the fine structure of the transitional area between lamina propria and cartilage of the human vocal fold using CLEM technique. The additional study revealed the fine structure of the Reinke's edema and its pathogenesis. We applied the technique to observe fine structure of normal and disease vocal fold and the technique is expected to apply for animal experiment model and various disease of the vocal fold in further study.

Free Research Field

喉頭、声帯

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

喉頭の機能は発声、嚥下、呼吸であり、喉頭は人間の生命維持に必要な臓器である。喉頭の中でも声帯はその中心的な部位であり、その正常な機能と関連した疾患（良性・悪性疾患）の病態の解明が求められる。喉頭は様々な硬組織・軟組織を含む複雑な臓器であるため、三次元的微細構造については不明な点も少なくなかった。本研究では、最新の顕微鏡技術を用いて喉頭の機能形態と関連した疾患の病態を明らかにした。本研究は喉頭の正常な機能形態と関連した疾患の病態の解明に今後も大きく寄与すると考えられる。