Towards the expression of sex hormone receptors in the human vocal fold.

BACKGROUND

The human larynx is assumed to be a steroid receptor target organ. There are only very limited data on the evidence of steroid receptors in the vocal folds, although voice alterations due to hormonal influence and treatment have been found.

GOAL OF THE STUDY

To investigate the expression of estrogen alpha, progesterone, and androgen receptors in human vocal folds (vocalis muscle, glands, lamina propria, epithelium).

METHODS

Immunohistochemically, vocal fold cadaver specimens of 15 autopsied patients (6 women, 9 men), which were taken approximately 4 to 8 hours postmortem were investigated. Furthermore, one (male) vocal fold biopsy obtained intraoperatively during a laryngectomy was tested.

RESULTS

No specific immunohistochemical staining for the different types of steroid hormones investigated could be observed in either the postmortem taken biopsies nor the intraoperatively one. However, several unspecific staining patterns could be observed.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study contradict recently published data and question the expression of sex hormone receptors in the vocal folds. Main causes of false interpretations of unspecific staining are discussed.