豚鼠耳蜗一氧化氮合酶异型体的定位

目的研究一氧化氮合酶(NOS)的异型体在豚鼠耳蜗的定位分布,以探讨一氧化氮(NO)在内耳听觉生理和病理生理机制中的作用。方法使用特异性NOS异型体抗体,采用ABC免疫组化染色法,观察NOS异型体在正常豚鼠耳蜗的定位表达。结果NOS Ⅰ主要分布在内骨膜、螺旋神经节的核周体、螺旋韧带和Corti's器的细胞。NOSⅢ是耳蜗的主要NOS异型体免疫染色,其主要免疫染色分布于耳蜗神经、螺旋神经节核周体、螺旋韧带和耳蜗毛细血管球的内皮细胞,也见于Corti's器的细胞和神经纤维。NOS Ⅱ在正常豚鼠耳蜗内不表达。 结论结构型NOS(cNOS)表达在耳蜗的多个部位,表明NO参与内耳的正常生理功能,包括神经突触的神经传导、耳蜗血流的调节和耳蜗的骨代谢。     

Involvement of nitric oxide synthase in the physiology and pathophysiology of facial nerve function and dysfunction

To date few reports have discussed the presence and function of nitric oxide (NO) in structures of the facial nerve. We performed nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH-d)-diaphorase-histochemistry and immunohistochemistry on the intratemporal portion of the facial nerve, including the geniculate ganglion, of guinea pigs using specific antibodies to the three known isoforms of NO synthase and soluble guanylyl-cyclase (sGC). Normal facial nerves were compared to those treated intratympanically with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Both constitutive NOS isoforms and sGC could be detected in the bipolar ganglion cells of normal animals, while the inducible isoform (iNOS or NOS II) was not found. Endothelial NOS (NOS III) and sGC were present in blood vessels and were predominantly found in the perineurial sheath and less in the endoneurium. sGC could be detected in all fibers in a cross section of the facial nerve. LPS and TNF treatment led to the detection of iNOS in the perikaryia of the geniculate ganglion and the perineural sheath. These findings imply that NO may be involved in neurotransmission at least in the visceroafferent system. NO regulates vascular tone of nutrient blood vessels in the perineural sheath and endoneurium. The presence of sGC indicates that NO acts via its second messenger cGMP. NOS II expression may be a contributing factor to facial nerve palsy via two different mechanisms: NOS II-generated NO may lead to an overstimulation of the visceroefferent nerve fibers and motor fibers of the facial nerve. Dysregulation in facial nerve blood vessels could lead to edema and elevated pressure on the nerve within its osseous canal. Received: 13 April 1999 / Accepted: 12 August 1999     

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.     

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS II) in the hydropic cochlea of guinea pigs

Immunohistochemical investigations of the guinea pig cochlea, using a specific antibody to the inducible isoform of NO synthase (iNOS/NOS II), have been performed 3 weeks after closure of the right endolymphatic duct (n=7). Endolymphatic hydrops, the morphological substrate of Meniere's disease, became evident by distension of the Reissner's membrane. iNOS expression could be noted in endothelium, spiral ganglion cells, in nerve fibers, in supporting cells of the organ of Corti and cells of the spiral ligament. Temporal bones of non-operated controls (n=6) as well as of sham-operated animals (n=3) did not show structures positive to iNOS. These findings imply that iNOS-generated NO could be involved in the pathophysiology of cochlear dysfunction in Meniere's disease.     

噪声刺激对耳蜗一氧化氮合酶的影响

目的：探讨一氧化氮（ＮＯ）在噪声性聋发病中的作用。方法：用中高频连续稳态噪声制作噪声性聋的动物模型,用ＮＡＤＰＨ－黄递酶组织化学、原位杂效和Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ印迹法,观察噪声刺激对耳蜗一氧化氮合酶（ＮＯＳ）表达的影响。结果：组织化学法显示ＮＯＳ主要分布于内外毛细胞、螺旋神经节细胞和血管纹边缘细胞;原位杂效法发现ＮＯＳｍＲＮＡ在内外毛细胞、螺旋神经节细胞胞浆内均可见阳性染色,但血管纹边缘细胞无阳性染色     

Expression of EphA4 in developing inner ears of the mouse and guinea pig

The expression of EphA4, an Eph-class receptor tyrosine kinase, was determined by immunohistochemistry in developing inner ears of the mouse and the guinea pig. In the mouse, EphA4 expression was visible in the fibroblasts of the spiral ligament and in the structures that were to become the osseous spiral lamina. Cochlear nerve ganglion cells expressed ephrin-B2, and the modiolus expressed mRNA coding for ephrin-B3, both transmembrane ligands for EphA4. In contrast, in the guinea pig, cells of the cochlear nerve ganglion expressed EphA4, as did supporting cells of the organ of Corti (Hensen's cells and inner pillar cells). There was also some expression in fibroblasts of the spiral ligament but none in the structures that were to become the osseous spiral lamina. It is suggested that in the mouse, EphA4 may help direct the cochlear innervation towards the organ of Corti by a repulsive interaction, but that this is highly species dependent.     

一氧化氮合酶和心钠素在豚鼠耳蜗的分布

目的 观察豚鼠耳蜗局部心钠素（atral natruretc peptde，ANP）和一氧化氮合酶（nitric oxide synthase，NOS）免疫组化反应产物的分布，为研究ANP和NOS在豚鼠耳蜗局部血流、淋巴以及神经调节中的相互作用提供形态学依据。方法 采用免疫组织化学双标法检测ANP和NOS在正常豚鼠耳蜗的分布特征。结果 在耳蜗各转螺旋动脉和血管纹．螺旋缘、螺旋韧带和Corti器显示双阳性染色，螺旋神经节细胞及囊斑神经上皮细胞膜及轴突NOS阳性染色，胞质ANP阳性染色；盖膜、前庭膜阴性染色。结论 ANP和NOS在内耳血 流调节，内、外淋巴平衡调节以及神经信号传递等方面可能具有重要作用，二者之间可能存在密切的相互作用机制，其分布特点与功能密切相关。     

Detection of nitric oxide in the guinea pig inner ear, using a combination of aldehyde fixative and 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate

Localization of nitric oxide (NO) production sites in the inner ear of the guinea pig was investigated using a combination of glutaraldehyde fixative and a new fluorescence NO indicator. 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA). The cochlea and vestibular end organs were examined to locate NO production sites. The fluorescence persisted after glutaraldehyde fixation and embedding with water-soluble resin. NO production in the cochlea was observed in the outer and inner hair cells, nerve endings, nerve fibers and supporting cells of the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, spiral ligament, ganglion cells, etc. In the vestibular end organs, both type I and type II sensory cells, nerve fibers, blood vessels and dark cells displayed fluorescence. This localization was exactly identical to that of NO synthase. Thus, detection of intracellular NO production by using a combination of glutaraldehyde fixation and DAF-2DA is useful for examining the function of NO in cells, both in situ and in vivo.     

Aspartate aminotransferase immunoreactivity in cochlea of guinea pig

The distribution of aspartate aminotransferase-like immunoreactivity in the cochlea of the guinea pig was studied at the light microscopy level. Indirect immunofluorescence histochemistry using antisera against cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase prepared from pig heart was applied to surface preparations of the organ of Corti and cryostat sections of the cochlea. In the modiolus, immunofluorescence was localized to spiral ganglion cells and myelinated fibers of the auditory nerve and intraganglionic spiral bundles. In the organ of Corti, immunofluorescence was seen in upper tunnel crossing fibers and at the base of outer hair cells, following a distribution similar to that of the efferent innervation of the outer hair cells. Weak immunofluorescence was seen in the inner spiral bundle and tunnel spiral bundle, but was not present in all preparations. Immunofluorescence was not seen in inner hair cells, nor at the base of inner hair cells, and may have been absent from outer hair cells.It is concluded that spiral ganglion cells and myelinated auditory nerve axons contain aspartate aminotransferase-like immunoreactivity; such immunoreactivity has previously been determined in auditory nerve endings in the cochlear nucleus. Olivocochlear neurons that innervate outer hair cells also contain such immunoreactivity while other cochlear efferents contain little or none.     

Detection of Nitric Oxide in the Guinea Pig Inner Ear,Using a Combination of Aldehyde Fixative and 4,5-Diaminofluorescein Diacetate

Localization of nitric oxide (NO) production sites in the inner ear of the guinea pig was investigated using a combination of glutaraldehyde fixative and a new fluorescence NO indicator, 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA). The cochlea and vestibular end organs were examined to locate NO production sites. The fluorescence persisted after glutaraldehyde fixation and embedding with water-soluble resin. NO production in the cochlea was observed in the outer and inner hair cells, nerve endings, nerve fibers and supporting cells of the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, spiral ligament, ganglion cells, etc. In the vestibular end organs, both type I and type II sensory cells, nerve fibers, blood vessels and dark cells displayed fluorescence. This localization was exactly identical to that of NO synthase. Thus, detection of intracellular NO production by using a combination of glutaraldehyde fixation and DAF-2DA is useful for examining the function of NO in cells, both in situ and in vivo.     

Autoradiographic demonstration of deoxyglucose uptake in guinea pig cochlea

The 2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic method was applied to whole-body cryosectioning to include the cochlea. The highest levels of 2-deoxyglucose uptake were observed in the vascular stria, spiral ligament and spiral prominence. The cochlear nerve showed the next highest level of uptake, while the organ of Corti and the spiral ganglion showed low levels. The functional significance of the results was briefly discussed.     

Nitric oxide distribution and production in the guinea pig cochlea

Production sites and distribution of nitric oxide (NO) were detected in cochlear lateral wall tissue, the organ of Corti and in isolated outer hair cells (OHCs) from the guinea pig using the fluorescent dye, 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate. Fluorescent signal, indicating the presence of NO, was found in the afferent nerves and their putative endings near inner hair cells (IHCs) and putative efferent nerve endings near OHCs, the IHCs and OHCs, the endothelial cells of blood vessels of the spiral ligament, the stria vascularis, and the spiral blood vessels of the basilar membrane. An increased NO signal was observed following exposure to the substrate for NO, L-arginine, while exposure to NO synthase inhibitors resulted in a decrease in NO signal. Observation of OHCs at the subcellular level revealed differentially strong fluorescent signals at the locations of cuticular plate, the subcuticular plate region, the infranuclear region, and the region adjacent to the lateral wall. The findings indicate the presence of NO in the cochlea and suggest that NO may play an important role in both regulating vascular tone and mediating neurotransmission in guinea pig cochlea.     

Immunohistochemical detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1 in the cochlea of guinea pigs

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known as an endothelial cell-specific mitogen. There are no reports concerning the presence of VEGF in the inner ear. To gain information, immunohistochemical analysis using specific antibodies to VEGF and to both known VEGF receptors Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1 was performed on paraffin-sectioned temporal bones from five guinea pigs. Immunoreactivity of VEGF, Flt-1 and KDR/Flk-1 was detectable in spiral ganglion cells. VEGF could also be found in the endothelium of blood vessels, in the spiral ligament and in the organ of Corti. Flt-1 was found in the limbus epithelium, in all supporting cells of the organ of Corti, in Claudius cells, cells of the sulcus and in the spiral ligament. Flk-1 could be detected in some supporting cells of the organ of Corti (inner pillar cells and Deiters' cells). Immunoreactivity to Flk-1 was also found in endothelium of blood vessels and in the spiral ligament. Hair cells showed VEGF immunostaining, but did not contain staining to Flt-1 nor Flk-1. In the stria vascularis any immunoreactivity to all used VEGF and VEGF receptor antibodies could not be detected. The findings were supported by Western blot analysis on inner ear tissues and ovaries from guinea pigs. We may conclude that the growth factor VEGF and both receptors participate in cochlear physiology.     

Synaptophysin immunohistochemistry in the human cochlea

Light microscopy and immunohistochemical analyses of a freshly prepared human cochlea, removed at meningioma skull base surgery, were performed with particular emphasis on synaptophysin (SY) reactivity. Synaptophysin, a 38-kDa glycoprotein, is one of the most abundant integral membrane proteins of small presynaptic vesicles and is a useful marker for sites of synaptic transmission of the efferent olivocochlear system in the cochlea. Following fixation and decalcification, cryosections of 30 microm were prepared. To introduce immunostaining, free-floating sections were exposed to monoclonal SY antibody. Positive SY immunostaining was solely restricted to the neural and sensory structures and did not include supporting cells of the organ of Corti. Dense reaction products were noted around the hair cells, especially at the basal portion of the inner and outer hair cells and their neural poles, as well as around the inner spiral bundle, tunnel spiral bundle, outer spiral bundle and upper tunnel crossing fibers. The majority of spiral ganglion cells stained positively. An intermingling network of thin unmyelinated nerve fibers stained densely, especially at the basal portions of the cochlea. The spiral limbus, inner and outer sulcus cells, basilar membrane, myelinated nerve fibers, spiral ligament and the stria vascularis were unstained. Human cochlea obtained during surgery offers excellent conditions for immunohistochemical analysis. In the basal cochlea in the organ of Corti, outer hair cell area, there may be alterations due to noise trauma from the drilling procedure.     

Pathological findings in the human auditory system following long-standing gentamicin ototoxicity

Summary The clinical, audiovestibular and histopathological findings in a patient who suffered from a long-standing gentamicin-induced deafness are reported. In both temporal bones, the organ of Corti was completely absent, with only a few nerve fibres remaining in the apical part of the cochlea. Regenerative ingrowth of nerve fibers into the area of the degenerative organ of Corti was present apically in both ears. The stria vascularis exhibited considerable degeneration in all turns and loss of microvasculature was found in the basilar membrane. The spiral ganglion cells, the cochlear nerve and the central auditory pathways and nuclei appeared to be unaffected.     

Localization of prostanoid receptors and cyclo-oxygenase enzymes in guinea pig and human cochlea

Endogenous production of prostaglandins has been demonstrated in the cochlea, but no information is available on the distribution of the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, or prostanoid receptors in the cochlea. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the localization of the FP, EP(1) and EP(3) prostanoid receptors as well as the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes in the cochlea of guinea pig and man. Cochleas were processed for immunohistochemistry using routine techniques. Appropriate controls comprised incubation with specific blocking peptides, or incubation without primary antibodies. Both in guinea pig and man the FP prostanoid receptor was abundantly distributed in the cochlea, e.g., in stria vascularis, the spiral ligament, spiral ganglion, and organ of Corti. The immunohistochemical staining of the EP(1) and EP(3) receptors in the same structures was significantly weaker and sometimes lacking altogether (e.g., EP(3) receptor in human cochlea). Weak, but mostly consistent immunostaining of the COX-1 enzyme was found in the cochlear structures. The COX-2 enzyme appeared to be lacking. The abundant distribution of the FP receptor in several important cochlear structures both in guinea pig and man suggests a physiological function for PGF(2alpha) in the cochlea. The COX-1 enzyme seems to be constitutively expressed in the cochlea in contrast to COX-2.     

Immunohistological analysis of neurturin and its receptors in human cochlea

ObjectiveDifficulties in obtaining properly preserved human cochlea have been a major obstacle to in vitro study of this deeply located and hard bone-fortressed hearing organ. Our study aimed at investigating GDNF family ligands (GFLs) and their receptors in the human cochleae that were surgically obtained during a transcochlear approach dealing with life-threatening, intra-cranial meningiomas.MethodsThe specimens were properly fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde in the operating room. By using immunohistochemical techniques, distribution of GDNF, Neurturin (NTN, one member of GFLs), as well as cRet, GFRα-1 and GFRα-2 receptors in the human cochleae was investigated. Five cochleae from five adult patients were processed for the study. The patients had normal hearing threshold before operation.ResultscRet receptor immunoreactivity was seen in the spiral ganglion neurons, mainly inside the cell bodies but rarely in the nerve fibers and not in the organ of Corti. Immunolabeling for GFRα-1 and GFRα-2 receptors was identified mainly in the cell bodies of the spiral neurons than in the nerve fibers. In the organ of Corti, GFRα-1 immunostaining could be demonstrated in the Deiters’ cells, Hensen cells, inner pillar cells, and weakly in the inner hair cells but not in the outer hair cells; no structures in the organ of Corti were labeled with GFRα-2 receptor antibody. NTN immunostaining was found in the supporting cells of organ of Corti, including Deiters’ cells, Hensen cells as well as Claudius’ cells. In the spiral ganglia, NTN immunostaining was seen in both the cell bodies and the nerve fibers of neurons. GDNF immunoreactivity was not revealed in human cochlea.ConclusionSurgically obtained human cochleae were properly fixed and underwent immunohistochemical investigation of neurotrophic elements. NTN and its receptors discovered in current study can be responsible for the unique neuronal survival properties in human spiral ganglion (hSG); a prerequisite for the function of cochlear implants.     

Incorporation of inositol in the cochlear tissues as determined by autoradiography

The sites of incorporation of [3H]inositol perfused perilymphatically in the guinea pig cochlea were localized autoradiographically. In the organ of Corti, active incorporation occurred in the synapses, nerve fibers, pillars and nuclei of various cells. Both hair cells and supporting cells moderately incorporated inositol. In the lateral wall of the cochlear duct marked incorporation was observed in the epithelia of the vascular stria and spiral prominence. The possible involvement of inositol phospholipids in auditory transduction at the organ of Corti and in ionic transport in the lateral wall of the cochlea is briefly discussed.     

豚鼠耳蜗和内淋巴囊上皮钠通道的表达

目的 研究豚鼠耳蜗和内淋巴囊组织中上皮钠通道(epithelial sodium channel,ENaC)α、β、γ亚基的表达及其意义.方法 用兔抗大鼠ENaC α、β和γ亚基的多克隆抗体,采用免疫组化SP法观察豚鼠耳蜗和内淋巴囊组织中α、β、γ-ENaC的表达模式.另用α-ENaC cDNA质粒合成探针,原位杂交法检测豚鼠耳蜗和内淋巴囊组织中α-ENaC mRNA的表达.结果 免疫组化显示,在豚鼠耳蜗中,α-ENaC蛋白强烈表达于螺旋缘,而螺旋韧带、Corti器、Reissner膜等处的表达较弱;β-ENaC蛋白在螺旋韧带、螺旋缘和螺旋神经节、Corti器、Reissner膜等处的表达均呈弱阳性;γ-ENaC蛋白则在螺旋韧带的上半部、螺旋缘和螺旋神经节等处的表达呈强阳性,Corti器、Reissner膜等处也有阳性表达.三个亚基在血管纹中均呈阴性表达.在内淋巴囊中,α、β和γ亚基均较明显地表达于上皮细胞和上皮下纤维组织.原位杂交显示,α-ENaC mRNA除了表达于螺旋缘、螺旋韧带下部外,还表达于血管纹,而在内淋巴囊的上皮细胞和上皮下纤维组织也均呈阳性表达.结论 ENaC的各个亚基以不同的模式分布于豚鼠耳蜗和内淋巴囊的各个区域,形成功能性通道参与内淋巴的调节,从而保持内耳内环境的稳定.     

Helper-dependent adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into the adult mouse cochlea.

BACKGROUND: Gene therapy may provide a way to restore cochlear function to deaf patients. The most successful techniques for cochlear gene therapy have been injection of early-generation adenoviral vectors into scala media in guinea pigs. However, it is important to be able to perform gene therapy research in mice because there is wide availability of transgenic strains with hereditary hearing loss. PURPOSE: We demonstrate our technique for delivery of a third-generation adenoviral vector, helper-dependent adenovirus (HDAd), to the adult mouse cochlea. METHODS: Mice were injected with an HDAd that contained a reporter gene for either beta-galactosidase or green fluorescent protein into scala media. After 4 days, the cochleae were harvested for analyses. Auditory brainstem response monitoring of cochlear function was performed before making a cochleostomy, after making a cochleostomy, and before killing the animal. RESULTS: Beta-galactosidase was identified in the spiral ligament, the organ of Corti, and spiral ganglion cells by light microscopy. Green fluorescent protein epifluorescence was assessed in whole-mount organ of Corti preparations using confocal microscopy. This demonstrated transduction of inner hair cells, outer hair cells, and supporting cells. Paraffin-embedded cross sections similarly revealed gene transduction within the organ of Corti. Threshold shifts of 39.8 +/- 5.4 and 37.7 +/- 5.5 dB were observed in mice injected with HDAd or control buffer, respectively. CONCLUSION: The technique of scala media HDAd injection reliably infects the adult mouse cochlea, including cells within the organ of Corti, although the procedure itself adversely affects hearing.