Cellular and extracellular matrix aspects of the nasal cartilage in the fetus and early infant

A comprehensive description of nasal septal cartilage (NSC) across all age groups is an unmet need. This information could help improve facial reconstruction, particularly in childhood. We describe cellular distribution and metabolic activity in the NSC of fetus, newborn, and 2-year-old infants using postmortem samples. Cell density in 9 NSC areas and isogenous groups/hpf were counted on hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. The production of glycosaminoglycans, measured using Safranin O staining, was used as a surrogate for metabolic activity. 12 samples from 5, 4 and 3 fetuses, newborns, and early infants, respectively, were evaluated, 7 (57.8%) of which were male with a median age of 0.5 days. Cell density and isogenous groups were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the anterior two-thirds of the NSC. There were significantly (p = 0.001) more isogenous groups in the cartilage of infants compared to the fetus and newborn groups. The production of glycosaminoglycans was similar in all areas and age groups. The proliferative activity expressed by the number of isogenous groups is greater in the anterior two thirds of the NSC, being more pronounced in the first year of age. These results can add valuable knowledge for procedures aimed at early management of the nasal septum and facial reconstruction in childhood.