Proton pump (H+/K+-ATPase) expression in human larynx.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of our study was to investigate and to identify the existence of proton pump in different parts of larynx. The presence of acidic content in this area is known to be connected to several laryngeal diseases. It is mostly developed by upward recurrence of acidic gastric content, but there are some signs that the acid can be produced in the larynx as well, because of the proton pump activity in laryngeal mucosa.

METHODS

The study was performed on two types of specimens: (1) 50 cadaver larynges and (2) 11 surgical larynges obtained after laryngectomy. Samples were taken from supraglottis, glottis and subglottic areas and immunohistochemistry for the beta subunit of the proton pump was done.

RESULTS

The presence of proton pump was proved in seromucous glands in laryngeal supraglottic area, but it was also, for the first time, found in human chondrocytes in the thyroid and epiglottic cartilage.

CONCLUSION

These new findings could encourage further research that would illuminate better the etiopathogenesis not only of laryngopharyngeal reflux, but also the pathophysiology of cartilaginous disorders.