Vocal Fold Augmentation with Beta Glucan Hydrogel Cross-Linked by γ Irradiation for Enhanced Duration of Effect: In Vivo Animal Study

Figure 9

H&E staining of augmented vocal fold. Histological sections showed that injected β-glucan hydrogel remained until 12 weeks (border of the hydrogel: black arrowheads). At the first week, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and histiocytes were identified, suggesting a subacute inflammatory response. At the fourth week, neutrophils were rarely identified, while histiocytes and fibroblasts had increased in numbers. At week 12, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and giant cells were noted. No inflammatory reaction in the surrounding muscles or nearby epithelium was observed (asterisks).