Evidence of the local immune status in the human larynx.

We have studied the presence of local immunity in the larynx and its role and development of laryngeal glands in the human larynx. The local immune status in laryngeal secretion or related tissue specimens from the laryngeal ventricle was examined and the results were analyzed between individuals with or without head and neck cancer. Laryngeal secretions or mucosal tissue specimens were obtained during the microscopic laryngeal surgery or at the time of the surgery of the larynx.

Age related changes in the distribution of laryngeal glands in the human adult larynx.

Objective: To understand the defense status of glandular tissue in the human adult larynx, we examined the glandular distribution, concentration and the ratio of the mucous glands in the subglottic and supraglottic larynx.

Methods: One-hundred and seven adult larynges were examined. The area of the mucosa and glands were measured using an image analyzing system.

Radiotherapy of the neck influences the distribution of laryngeal secretory glands.

To elucidate the influence of radiation therapy on the larynx in patients who receive radiotherapy to the neck, we observed the changes in the distribution of the laryngeal glands. Human adult larynges from patients with either laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer were histopathologically examined, and the changes in the glandular distribution as well as in the ratio of serous or mucous type cells were surveyed using an image analysis system. The mean ratio of the area occupied by glandular acini in the subglottic larynx was 0.