Abstract
We studied the development of glandular structures and the pattern of distribution of serous and mucoustype glands in the larynges of 77 human infants obtained at autopsy. The subglottic larynx was subjeted to quantitative and qualitative analysis, using an image binarization procedure. The areas of mucosa and inner space of the subglottic larynx tended to increase with age. The area occupied by the glands differed considerably in younger infants and the areas of total glands and serous-type glands increased with age. There was no correlation between the area of the mucous glands and age. These findings indicate that local immune function of the secretory glandular system in the larynx of human infants increases with advancing age.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bak-Pedersen K, Nielsen KO (1986) Subepithelial mucous glands in the adult human larynx. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 102:341–352
Brandtzaeg P (1988) Immunobarriers of the mucosa of the upper respiratory and digestive pathways. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 105:172–180
Harrison DFN (1991) Laryngeal morphology in sudden unexpected death in infants. J Laryngol Otol 105:645–650
Hayworth JC, Norris M, Dilling L (1965) A study of the immunoglobulins in premature infants. Arch Dis Child 40:240–255
Hsu SM, Raine L, Fanger H (1981) Use of an avidin-biotinperoxidase complex (ABC) in immunoperoxidase technique. A comparison between ABC and unlabelled antibody (PAP) procedure. Histochem Cytochem 29:577–580
Mogi G (1975) Secretory immunoglobulin A in oral and respiratory passages in man. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 84:3–23
Mogi G, Watanabe N, Maeda S, Umehara T (1979) Laryngeal secretions. An immunological and immunohistological study. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 87:129–141
Nakashima T (1987) Development of laryngeal glands in congenital subglottic stenosis. J Jpn Bronchoesophagol Soc 38: 489–493
Nakashima T, Komiyama S, Makishima K, Takeda K, Hiroto I (1980) Immunopathological study of the larynx. IgA distribution and secretory activity. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 89:359–365
Nakashima T, Makishima K, Komiyama S, Takeda K, Hiroto I (1981) Local immune system in the developing fetal larynx. Laryngoscope 91:398–407
Nakashima T, Inamitsu M, Uemura T, Sugimoto T (1989) Immunopathology of polymorphic reticulosis of the larynx. J Laryngol Otol 103:955–960
Nielsen KO, Bak-Petersen K (1985) Intra-epithelial mucous glands in the adult human laryngeal mucosa. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 100:470–476
Sasaki CT (1979) Development of laryngeal function: etiologic significance in the sudden infant death syndrome. Laryngoscope 89:1964–1982
Shatz A, Hiss J, Arensburg B (1991) Basement-membrane thickening of the vocal cords in sudden infant death syndrome. Laryngoscope 101:484–486
Stafford ND, Davies SJ (1988) Epithelial distribution in the human fetal larynx. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 97:302–307
Tanaka M, Nakashima T (1993) A new image binarization procedure for studying distribution of glandular tissues in the infant larynx. Larynx Jpn 5:12–16
Tomasi TB Jr, Bienenstock J (1968) Secretory immunoglobulins. Adv Immunol 9:1–96
Tomasi TB Jr, Tan EM, Solomon A, Prendergast RA (1965) Characteristics of an immune system common to certain external secretions. J Exp Med 121:101–124
West CD, Hong R, Holland NH (1962) Immunoglobulin levels from the newborn period to adulthood and in immunoglobulin deficiency states. J Clin Invest 41:2054–2064
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tanaka, M., Nakashima, T. & Uemura, T. A survey of the pattern of glandular distribution in the larynges of human infants. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 251 (Suppl 1), S80–S86 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02565227
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02565227