Vocal fold proteoglycans and their influence on biomechanics

Objective/Hypothesis: To examine the interstitial proteins of the vocal fol d and their influence on the biomechanical properties of that tissue, Study Design: Anatomic study of the lamina propria of human cadaveric vocal fold s combined with some viscosity testing. Methods: Identification of proteogl ycans is performed with histochemical staining. Quantitative analysis is pe rformed using an image analysis system. A rheometer is used for viscosity t esting. Three-dimensional rendering program is used for the computer images . Results: Proteoglycans play an important role in tissue biomechanics. Hya luronic acid is a key molecule that affects viscosity, Discussion: The prot eoglycans of the lamina propria have important biological and biomechanical effects. The role of hyaluronic acid in determining tissue viscosity is em phasized. Viscosity, its effect on phonatory threshold pressure and energy expended due to phonation is discussed. Conclusion: Proteoglycans, particul arly hyaluronic acid, play important roles in determining biomechanical pro perties of tissue oscillation. Future research will likely make these prote ins of important therapeutic interest.