Direct evidence of nitric oxide production in guinea pig vestibular sensory cells

Production of nitric oxide (NO) in the vestibular organ of the guinea pig was investigated using the new fluorescence indicator, DAF-2DA, for direct detection of NO. The utricular maculae and isolated vestibular sensory cells were examined to locate NO production sites. The fluorescence intensity of the sensory cells was augmented by stimulation with L-arginine, and significantly increased after inoculation with LPS. This is the first direct evidence of NO production in the vestibular end organs. NO may play an important role for the vestibular physiology and also be involved in disease of the inner ear.