Lateral wall Na,K-ATPase and endocochlear potentials decline with age in quiet-reared gerbils.

Changes in the integrity of cochlear ion transport systems with age were examined in gerbils raised for 5-38 months in a quiet environment. Ion transport function was assessed by light microscopic immunohistochemical staining for the enzyme, Na,K-ATPase and by measurement of the endocochlear potential (EP). Small foci of strial atrophy accompanied by loss of immunostaining for Na,K-ATPase were observed in the stria vascularis of the apical and basal turns as early as 5 months of age. Cochleas from 29-38 month-old gerbils showed a loss of immunostaining for Na,K-ATPase in the stria in most of the apical turn with the degeneration extending well into the middle turn in many of the oldest ears. The extent of strial atrophy and loss of immunoreactive Na,K-ATPase in the basal turn varied considerably among the oldest cochleas. Populations of lateral wall fibrocytes (type II fibrocytes) normally rich in Na,K-ATPase exhibited a corresponding decrease in enzyme content in regions of advanced strial atrophy. The volume of immunostained stria vascularis correlated well with the magnitude of the resting EP. The results demonstrate that lateral wall ion transport systems in the gerbil cochlea degenerate as a function of age. The findings also provide good evidence for a functional relationship between the stria vascularis and the Na,K-ATPase-rich type II fibrocytes in generating and maintaining the EP.     

Differentiation of inner ear fibrocytes according to their ion transport related activity.

Fibrocytes in the lateral wall and limbus of the gerbil cochlea evidenced a capacity for ion transport activity by immunostaining for transport mediating enzymes including Na,K-ATPase, carbonic anhydrase (CA) and creatine kinase (CK). Fibrocytes of the spiral ligament unlike those in the suprastrial region and limbus decreased in abundance from base to apex. Spiral ligament fibrocytes at a given position along the cochlea varied in content of transport related enzymes, and on the basis of immunostaining, location and orientation, were classified into four types. Type I fibrocytes under the stria vascularis stained for CA isozymes II and III and CK isozyme BB. Type II fibrocytes under the outer sulcus and spiral prominence epithelium were found to contain only Na,K-ATPase. Type III fibrocytes lying adjacent to bone in the inferior region of the spiral ligament contained CA II and III and CK isozymes BB and MM. Type IV fibrocytes located more superficially in the inferior part of the spiral ligament stained variably for all the enzymes. Superficial fibrocytes in the suprastrial area disclosed Na,K-ATPase whereas the underlying fibrocytes stained for CA and CK. Limbal fibrocytes reacted with antisera to all the enzymes except CA III. Most fibrocytes in stromal plates beneath the vestibular system's neurosensory epithelium contained Na,K-ATPase and CA II but not CA III. These findings point to cooperativity in fluid and ion transport between epithelial cells and neighboring fibrocytes and demonstrate functional diversity of fibrocytes of the inner ear providing a basis for classifying those in the spiral ligament.     

新生小鼠膜迷路耳蜗外侧壁的组织培养

目的培养小鼠耳蜗螺旋韧带/血管纹来源的细胞,为体外研究提供细胞模型。方法显微解剖新生小鼠耳蜗螺旋韧带/血管纹组织,组织块外植培养,胰蛋白酶消化分离细胞,免疫组织化学染色,原位透射电镜观察鉴别细胞的来源。结果自外植耳蜗螺旋韧带/血管纹组织生长出上皮样细胞及成纤维样细胞。前者呈典型的上皮细胞形态,表达细胞角蛋白,并具血管纹边缘细胞的超微结构特征。后者呈成纤维细胞形态,表达波形蛋白,具有耳蜗螺旋韧带成纤维细胞的超微结构特征。结论培养出小鼠耳蜗血管纹边缘细胞及螺旋韧带成纤维细胞来源的原代上皮细胞及传代成纤维细胞,为体外研究提供了细胞模型及方法。     

Otosclerosis: relationship of spiral ligament hyalinization to sensorineural hearing loss

The sensorineural component of a mixed hearing loss due to otosclerosis is generally accepted as due to the otosclerotic lesion. The existence of pure cochlear otosclerosis without stapes fixation has been questioned. However, we are documenting 7 such cases in a separate publication. Results of this study, which evaluates 46 temporal bones with clinical or cochlear otosclerosis, demonstrate that the degree of sensorineural loss is directly related to the amount of hyalinization of the spiral ligament. The hyalinization occurs adjacent to active otospongiotic lesions but not next to inactive otosclerotic lesions. Both types of lesions may involve the cochlear endosteum. Small channels through the endosteal bone from the lesion to the spiral ligament have been found. The hyalinization spreads laterally from these channels. The hyalinization is presumably a result of the passage of toxic substances (proteolytic enzymes) from the lesion to the ligament. Strial atrophy is most pronounced on ligaments with the greatest degree of hyalinization. Hyalinization in only one ear produces decreased hearing compared to the other ear.     

Permanent threshold shift caused by acute cochlear mitochondrial dysfunction is primarily mediated by degeneration of the lateral wall of the cochlea

Mitochondrial dysfunction in the cochlea is thought to be an important cause of sensorineural hearing loss. Recently, we have established a novel rat model with acute hearing impairment caused by exposure to the mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) to analyze the mechanism of cochlear mitochondrial dysfunction. Both permanent and temporary threshold shifts were observed in this model depending on the amount of 3-NP used to induce hearing impairment. In this study, we demonstrate cochlear morphological changes in the permanent threshold shift model. Marked degeneration was detected in type 2 fibrocytes in the spiral prominence, type 4 fibrocytes in the spiral ligament, marginal cells and intermediate cells in the stria vascularis 3 h after 3-NP administration; these changes were progressive for at least 14 days. Less prominent degeneration was detected in type 1 and type 3 fibrocytes in the spiral ligament. These results indicate that permanent threshold shift caused by acute cochlear mitochondrial dysfunction is primarily mediated by cellular degeneration in the lateral wall of the cochlea, and suggest that therapy of cochlear hearing loss due to acute energy failure may be achieved through protection and regeneration of the cochlear lateral wall.     

Changes in Cytochemistry of Sensory and Nonsensory Cells in Gentamicin-Treated Cochleas

Effects of a single local dose of gentamicin upon sensory and nonsensory cells throughout the cochlea were assessed by changes in immunostaining patterns for a broad array of functionally important proteins. Cytochemical changes in hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, and cells of the stria vascularis, spiral ligament, and spiral limbus were found beginning 4 days post administration. The extent of changes in immunostaining varied with survival time and with cell type and was not always commensurate with the degree to which individual cell types accumulated gentamicin. Outer hair cells, types I and II fibrocytes of the spiral ligament, and fibrocytes in the spiral limbus showed marked decreases in immunostaining for a number of constituents. In contrast, inner hair cells, type III fibrocytes and root cells of the spiral ligament, cells of the stria vascularis, and interdental cells in the spiral limbus showed less dramatic decreases, and in some cases they showed increases in immunostaining. Results indicate that, in addition to damaging sensory cells, local application of gentamicin results in widespread and disparate disruptions of a variety of cochlear cell types. Only in the case of ganglion cells was it apparent that the changes in nonsensory cells were secondary to loss or damage of hair cells. These results indicate that malfunction of the ear following gentamicin treatment is widespread and far more complex than simple loss of sensory elements. The results have implications for efforts directed toward detecting, preventing, and treating toxic effects of aminoglycosides upon the inner ear.     

The influence of pneumococcal otitis media on the cochlear lateral wall.

The cochlear influence of otitis media was investigated in order to identify damaged regions causing cochlear malfunction. BALB/c mice were challenged with viable Streptococcus pneumoniae into the middle ear cavity and were killed 1 day to 1 month later for immunohistochemical analysis. Otitis media was induced in all of the animals, and some showed inflammatory cells in the cochlea. Although other changes were not obvious by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry showed the presence of fibrinogen in the cochlea, mainly in the lower portion of the spiral ligament and in the spiral limbus. Immunostaining for connexin 26 was decreased in the spiral ligament, accompanied by marked fibrinogen staining. Immunostaining for sodium-potassium-adenosine triphosphatase in the stria vascularis and in the type II fibrocytes of the spiral ligament was not affected obviously. The presence of fibrinogen in the cochlea suggests disruption of the blood-labyrinth barrier caused by the middle ear inflammation. Changes in connexin 26 staining suggest the possibility that the spiral ligament could be among the regions responsible for the cochlear malfunction.     

Spiral ligament pathology in quiet-aged gerbils

The ultrastructure of the spiral ligament was compared in aged and young gerbils to assess the involvement of connective tissues in the lateral wall and particularly the fibrocytes in development of presbyacusis. Pathologic features in fibrocytes of senescent gerbils spanned a wide range reflecting different stages of lateral wall involution. All of the type II, IV and V fibrocytes selectively developed cytosolic vacuoles in an early degenerative phase showing minimal strial involvement. Clear spaces indicative of interstitial edema separated the vacuolated cell bodies and their plasmalemmal processes. As a presumed intermediate phase, profiles of amorphous substance apparently derived from apoptosis/necrosis of type II fibrocytes infiltrated the type II fibrocyte area among nearly normal appearing cells. In cochlear turns with advanced strial degeneration, type II fibrocytes disappeared from the spiral prominence area leaving only type I-like fibrocytes occasionally accompanied by a collagen infiltrate. Type V fibrocytes disappeared similarly from the suprastrial area. The extent of atrophy in type II fibrocytes corresponded in general with that in the neighboring stria vascularis. Age-dependent atrophy in the lateral wall largely spared type I fibrocytes except that they often enclosed discrete amorphous foci lacking organelles. The involution thus affected principally the Na,K-ATPase-positive fibrocytes functioning in active uptake rather than passive conductance of K(+). The vacuolization and degeneration exclusive to ATPase-rich fibrocytes and the associated intercellular edema are interpreted as secondary responses, possibly as a result of impaired diffusion of K(+) through downstream marginal cells.     

Effects of aminoglycoside administration on cochlear elements in human temporal bones

OBJECTIVE: Although there have been numerous reports on the relationship between the period of aminoglycoside administration and cochlear damage in animals, to date there have been no such studies in humans. The purpose of this study is to observe the early and late cochlear effects of aminoglycoside administration on hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, stria vascularis, and spiral ligament. METHODS: Specimens were divided into three groups. Group I included "normal" temporal bones with no histopathologic findings of otitis media and no history of otologic or ototoxic drug administration. Group II consisted of temporal bones that received aminoglycosides within 2 weeks before death and group III of temporal bones that had aminoglycosides from 2 weeks to 6 months prior to death. Patients in groups II and III received gentamycin, kanamycin or tobramycin. Temporal bones were excluded from groups II and III if patients had a history of otologic disease or other ototoxic drugs. All temporal bones were examined under light microscopy. Standard cytocochleograms and spiral ganglion cell reconstructions were done on all temporal bones. Morphometric measurements of areas of stria vascularis were made in all turns of the cochlea on mid-modiolar sections. Spiral ligament was divided into four segments according to the locations of different types of fibrocytes. The mean loss of fibrocytes in each segment was estimated. RESULTS: The percentages of intact outer hair cells in the basal turn were significantly greater in group I compared to groups II and III. The mean area of the stria vascularis in the apical turn was significantly less in groups II and III compared to group I. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that in a short period (within 2 weeks) after aminoglycoside administration, a decrease in hair cells and in the area of the stria vascularis occurred.     

Na-K-2Cl联合转运子1在小鼠耳蜗侧壁组织中的表达及意义

目的观察Na-K-2Cl联合转运子1(NKCC1)在小鼠耳蜗组织中的表达及分布,并探讨其与耳蜗听觉功能的关系。方法选用健康正常CBA/CaJ小鼠为实验组,NKCC1-/-(突变纯合子,全基因敲除)小鼠为对照组,利用听性脑干反应检测两组动物的听觉功能,取各组小鼠的耳蜗行冰冻切片,同时采用免疫组织化学技术和免疫荧光组织化学法检测Na-K-2Cl联合转运子1在实验组与对照组小鼠的耳蜗中的表达和分布。结果实验组小鼠的ABR反应阈值为18±3.50dBSPL、对照组小鼠在100dBSPL刺激时无反应。NKCC1阳性反应呈棕黄色,主要分布于实验组小鼠耳蜗血管纹边缘细胞和螺旋韧带下部,在耳蜗血管纹边缘细胞和螺旋韧带下部的纤维细胞、纹上区也有适度表达,而在对照组未见阳性表达。图像分析显示,两组灰度值差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论在正常小鼠耳蜗,Na-K-2Cl联合转运子1主要在血管纹边缘细胞及螺旋韧带下部分布表达,并与耳蜗听觉生理功能密切相关。     

Immunohistochemical detection of platinated DNA in the cochlea of cisplatin-treated guinea pigs

Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is correlated with functional and morphological changes in the organ of Corti, the stria vascularis and the spiral ganglion. However, the cochlear sites of cisplatin uptake and accumulation have not been properly identified. Therefore, we have developed an immunohistochemical method to, indirectly, detect cisplatin in semithin cryosections of the guinea pig cochlea (basal turn) using an antiserum containing antibodies against cisplatin-DNA adducts. Platinated DNA was present in the nuclei of most cells in the organ of Corti and the lateral wall after cisplatin administration. Nuclear immunostaining was most pronounced in the outer hair cells, the marginal cells and the spiral ligament fibrocytes. This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of cisplatin in histological sections of the cochlea.     

Correlation of otosclerotic foci and degenerative changes in the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion

Statistical analyses of histopathologic findings in the cochlea and spiral ganglion of 37 temporal bones with otosclerosis, 12 controls of similar age, and seven controls with normal hearing were performed. In temporal bones with otosclerosis there was significant atrophy of the spiral ligament and stria vascularis in regions with endosteal involvement by otosclerosis, compared with regions without endosteal involvement (P less than .0001). There was more generalized atrophy of the stria vascularis in cochleae with two or more sites of endosteal involvement by otosclerosis than in cochleae with only one site of endosteal involvement (P less than .02), cochleae in temporal bones with otosclerosis but without endosteal involvement (P less than .05), or cochleae of controls of similar age (P less than .007). In addition, there was more atrophy of the spiral ligament in cochleae with two or more sites of endosteal involvement than in cochleae of similar age from the control group (P less than .03). In temporal bones with otosclerosis, there was no significant difference in counts of outer hair cells and density of spiral ganglion cells between regions demonstrating endosteal involvement by otosclerosis and regions without such involvement. However, total outer hair cell counts were lower in cochleae with two or more sites of endosteal involvement of otosclerosis than in cochleae with one site of endosteal involvement (P less than .04), cochleae in temporal bones with otosclerosis but without endosteal involvement (P less than .02), or cochleae from individuals of similar age but without otosclerosis (P = .05). Comparison of the mean bone conduction threshold, as measured in life, in temporal bones with otosclerosis compared with the air conduction threshold in aged-matched controls, demonstrated that only cochleae with two or more sites of endosteal involvement had a mild but statistically significant (P = .05) decrease in hearing. There was no evidence to support the concept that otosclerotic foci without stapedial fixation frequently cause significant degeneration of the cochlea or elevation of bone conduction thresholds.     

Cochlear changes in chronic otitis media

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to describe the morphological changes in the cochlea in chronic otitis media. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective human temporal bone analysis. METHODS: Fifteen temporal bones with unilateral chronic otitis media were selected and compared with contralateral normal temporal bones. Standard cytocochleograms and spiral ganglion cell reconstructions were performed on all temporal bones. Spiral ligament was divided into four segments according to the locations of different types of fibrocytes. The average loss of fibrocytes in each segment was estimated. Morphometric measurements of areas of stria vascularis and spiral ligament were made in all turns of the cochlea on mid modiolar sections. RESULTS: Loss of outer and inner hair cells was common in the basal turn of the cochlea in temporal bones with chronic otitis media compared with control ears. There was no difference in the number of spiral ganglion cells in the chronic otitis media and contralateral ears. The areas of stria vascularis and spiral ligament in the basal turn decreased significantly in the ears with chronic otitis media compared with control ears. There were no significant differences between the ears with chronic otitis media and the contralateral ears for any of the regions characterized by the presence of types I-IV fibrocytes. CONCLUSION: The results of the study are consistent with the hypothesis that chronic otitis media causes cochlear disease.     

Changes in Immunostaining of Inner Ears After Antigen Challenge Into the Scala Tympani

To study the mechanisms of immune responses and immune injuries in inner ears, labyrinthitis was induced by inoculation of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) into the scala tympani of systemically sensitized guinea pigs. Inner ears were then immunostained for KLH, immunoglobulin G (IgG), albumin, connexin26 (Cx26), and sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphate (Na,K-ATPase). Inflammatory cells containing KLH were observed in the scala tympani and in the collecting venule of the spiral modiolar vein (SMV). Spiral ligament, spiral limbus, and blood vessels including the SMV were diffusely positive for IgG and albumin. Immunoreactivity for Cx26 and Na,K-ATPase was decreased compared with the normal ears in the fibrocytes of the spiral ligament. These results suggest that inflammatory cells and blood constituents could extravasate into the cochlea from blood vessels and that fibrocyte damage in the spiral ligament could cause cochlear dysfunction.     

Dynamics of Na,K-ATPase sites in lateral cochlear wall tissues of the rat

Summary The objective of this study was to determine whether varying levels of either the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, or the mineralocorticoid, aldosterone, modulate the quantity of Na,K-ATPase sites in stria vascularis and spiral ligament tissues. Surgically adrenalectomized male rats were administered different dosages of dexamethasone or aldosterone for 7 days and subsequently were sacrificed. Na,K-ATPase -subunits of stria vascularis and spiral ligament homogenates were determined quantitatively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using a monoclonal antibody shown to react with lateral wall Na,K-ATPase -subunit. Elevated serum levels of dexamethasone were correlated with significantly increased Na,K-ATPase -subunit levels in both the stria vascularis and spiral ligament (P 0.05). Elevated serum levels of aldosterone were correlated with increased Na,K-ATPase -subunits in the stria vascularis, but not in the spiral ligament (P 0.1). These data further indicate a positive correlation between increased serum levels of adrenal steroids and induction of Na,K-ATPase synthesis by such steroids; particularly by dexamethasone.Presented at the 16th Midwinter Research Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida, USA, February 1993     

Age-related changes in the murine cochlear lateral wall

Cochleas from C57BL/6 mice were investigated electrophysiologically and histochemically to evaluate the pathology of presbycusis. The average auditory brainstem response thresholds from 6-week-old mice were significantly lower than those of 6-month-old mice and those of 1-year-old mice. Histologic observation revealed changes in the cochlea after age 6 months. Conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed disorganization of the organ of Corti, a decrease in the number of spiral ganglion cells, and atrophy of the stria vascularis. Although H&E staining and type II collagen immunolabeling did not show obvious changes in the spiral ligament (SL), the density of connexin 26 staining was reduced in this region. Sodium-potassium-adenosinetriphosphatase immunolabeling was increased in the SL, whereas its average density was not significantly altered in the stria vascularis. These results suggest that the SL could be among the regions responsible for cochlear malfunction with aging.     

Histopathology of the ears, eyes, and brain in Norrie's disease (oculoacousticocerebral degeneration)

Norrie's disease is an x-linked recessive disorder characterized by progressive oculoacousticocerebral degeneration. The light and electron microscopic changes in the temporal bones, eyes, and brain of an affected 77-year-old man who suffered from bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, blindness, and mental retardation are described. The inner ears showed marked atrophy of the stria vascularis, severe degeneration of hair cells and cochlear neurons, and connective tissue proliferation in the spiral ganglion, osseous spiral lamina, and walls of the membranous vestibular labyrinth. The eyes showed detached retinae, dense proliferation of fibrillary glial cells in the retina and vitreous, severe atrophy of the optic nerves, and degenerative hyalinization of blood vessels. This case is the first published report of the histopathology of the inner ear in Norrie's disease.     

Distribution and significance of endothelin 1 in guinea pig cochlear lateral wall

Endothelin 1 is a vasoconstrictive peptide with many biological functions. To investigate the distribution of endothelin 1 in guinea pig cochlear lateral wall and the significance of endothelin 1 in maintaining cochlear homeostasis, the immunohistochemistry avidin biotin complex method was applied by using rabbit anti-endothelin 1 polyclonal antibody as primary antibody. Endothelin-1-like activities were detected in the marginal cells, spiral prominence epithelial cells, outer sulcus cells, stria vascularis capillaries, basal cells and spiral ligament fibrocytes. These results suggest that endothelin 1 may play an important role in maintaining cochlear homeostasis.     

正常豚鼠内耳水通道蛋白的表达及意义

目的：检测正常豚鼠内耳组织中水通道蛋白（aquaporins,AQPs）的表达,探讨其在内耳液体平衡中的意义.方法：用免疫组织化学方法,以兔抗大鼠AQP0、1、2、3、5、7、8的多克隆抗体,检测正常豚鼠内耳组织中水通道蛋白亚型0、1、2、3、5、7、8的表达.结果：水通道蛋白亚型0、1、2、3、5、7、8在豚鼠内耳有不同程度、不同模式的表达,其中AQP0仅在血管纹上皮细胞、螺旋神经节细胞有较弱的表达,AQP1的分布见于包绕骨迷路、内淋巴囊、内淋巴管的纤维细胞,基底膜鼓阶面细胞、螺旋韧带纤维细胞、螺旋缘纤维细胞、Corti器、内外螺旋沟、血管纹、椭圆囊壁、球囊壁、螺旋神经节细胞等.AQP2表达在血管纹、Corti器、螺旋神经节细胞和内淋巴囊中.AQP3、7、8的分布类似,在螺旋神经节和包绕膜迷路的组织中均有表达,其中Corti器、内外螺旋沟、血管纹、螺旋神经节表达较强,在螺旋韧带、螺旋缘纤维细胞表达较弱.AQP5则在Corti器、内外螺旋沟、螺旋神经节细胞表达较强,在螺旋韧带纤维细胞表达稍弱.结论：在正常豚鼠内耳中,尤其是膜迷路中有多种水通道蛋白亚型,以不同的方式表达,他们可能在维持膜迷路液体平衡中起着协同作用.