Sex Hormone Receptor Expression in the Human Vocal Fold Subunits

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the existence of sex hormone receptors in the subunits of vocal fold.

Study design: This is a cadaver study.

Methods: The androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors were examined in the epithelium (EP), superficial layer of the lamina propria (SLP), vocal ligament (VL), and macula flava (MF) of the vocal folds from 42 human cadavers (21 male, 21 female) by immunohistochemical methods. Their staining ratios were scored and statistically compared.

Results: The androgen receptor score was significantly higher for the MF than for the EP and SLP (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The androgen receptor score was significantly higher for the VL than for the EP and SLP (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was noted in the androgen receptor scores between the MF and VL and between the EP and SLP. The estrogen receptor score showed no significant difference between the MF and VL, whereas all other areas showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the EP and SLP in terms of progesterone receptor scores, but statistically significant differences were detected among the other areas.

Conclusion: Sex hormone receptors exist within several subunits of the vocal fold, mostly in the MF and VLs.

Keywords: Macula flava; Sex hormone receptor; Vocal fold epithelium; Vocal fold subunits; Vocal ligament.