Cisplatin-induced apoptotic cell death in spiral ganglion and organ of Corti of mongolian gerbil cochlear]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether apoptosis is one of the mechanism for cell death in spiral ganglion(SG) and organ of Corti of Mongolian gerbils cochlea induced by cisplatin. METHODS: Mongolian gerbils were administered 4 mg.kg-1.d-1 cisplatin consecutively for 4 to 7 days. The apoptotic cell death in spiral ganglion and organ of Corti of cochlea basal turn was detected via transmission electron microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. RESULTS: The observation of electron microscopy shown special morphological change consistent with the feature of cell apoptosis in some spiral ganglion cells and outer hair cells after 5-7 days' cisplatin treatment. The apoptotic labeling by TUNEL in spiral ganglion and organ of Corti was detected after 5 days' treatment and increased after 6 and 7 days' treatment whereas almost negative result were obtained in the normal control animals. CONCLUSION: Apoptosis is one of the important mechanisms for cell injury of spiral ganglion and organ of Corti induced by cisplatin.     

Anti-clarin-1 AAV-delivered ribozyme induced apoptosis in the mouse cochlea

Usher syndrome type 3 is caused by mutations in the USH3A gene, which encodes the protein clarin-1. Clarin-1 is a member of the tetraspanin superfamily (TM4SF) of transmembrane proteins, expressed in the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion cells of the mouse ear. We have examined whether the AAV-mediated anti-clarin ribozyme delivery causes apoptotic cell death in vivo in the organ of Corti. We used an AAV-2 vector delivered hammerhead ribozyme, AAV–CBA–Rz, which specifically recognizes and cleaves wild type mouse clarin-1 mRNA. Cochleae of CD-1 mice were injected either with 1 μl of the AAV–CBA–Rz, or control AAV vectors containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker gene (AAV–CBA–GFP). Additional controls were performed with saline only. At one-week and one-month post-injection, the animals were sacrificed and the cochleae were studied by histology and fluorescence imaging.

Mice injected with AAV–CBA–GFP displayed GFP reporter expression of varying fluorescence intensity throughout the length of the cochlea in the outer and inner hair cells and stria vascularis, and to a lesser extent, in vestibular epithelial cells. GFP expression was not detectable in the spiral ganglion. The pro-apoptotic effect of AAV–CBA-delivered anti-clarin-1 ribozymes was evaluated by TUNEL-staining. We observed in the AAV–CBA–Rz, AAV–CBA–GFP and saline control groups apoptotic nuclei in the outer and inner hair cells and in the stria vascularis one week after the microinjection. The vestibular epithelium was also observed to contain apoptotic cells. No TUNEL-positive spiral ganglion neurons were detected. After one-month post-injection, the AAV–CBA–Rz-injected group had significantly more apoptotic outer and inner hair cells and cells of the stria vascularis than the AAV–CBA–GFP group.

In this study, we demonstrate that AAV–CBA mediated clarin-1 ribozyme may induce apoptosis of the cochlear hair cells and cells of the stria vascularis. Surprisingly, we did not observe apoptosis in spiral ganglion cells, which should also be susceptible to clarin-1 mRNA cleavage. This result may be due to the injection technique, the promoter used, or tropism of the AAV serotype 2 viral vector. These results suggest the role of apoptosis in the progression of USH3A hearing loss warrants further evaluation.     

Vector-mediated delivery of bcl-2 prevents degeneration of auditory hair cells and neurons after injury

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that bcl-2 prevents oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of auditory sensory cells in explants of the organ of Corti and dissociated cell cultures of the spiral ganglion. METHODS: Organ of Corti explants and dissociated spiral ganglion cell cultures obtained from 3-day-old (P3) rats or adult spiral ganglion cell cultures from 28-day-old (P28) rats were transduced with vectors containing a human bcl-2 gene. Cultures were then exposed to neomycin, cisplatin or subjected to withdrawal of neurotrophin supplementation. Outcome measures included hair cell and neuron counts, mitochondrial membrane potential and a histological measure of apoptosis. RESULTS: Expression of bcl-2 in the organ of Corti explants and neuronal cell cultures provided a significant level of protection against cell death. Bcl-2 expression in the organ of Corti explants also protected mitochondria from loss of membrane potential and blocked an early step in the commitment of hair cells to apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Expression of bcl-2 in cochlear tissues protects sensory cells from a variety of insults that have been demonstrated to damage the inner ear.     

Expression of caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease (CAD) and caspase 3 (CPP32) in the cochlea of cisplatin (CDDP)-treated guinea pigs

Cisplatin, an anti-cancer drug, is known to induce apoptosis. During apoptosis, double-stranded DNA is broken into single-stranded DNA by the action of caspases and caspase activated deoxyribonuclease (CAD). We immunohistochemically examined the cochlea of guinea pigs for signs of the apoptosis after the administration of cisplatin. Cisplatin (10 mg/kg b.w.) was intraperitoneally injected to guinea pigs and 3 days later, the animals were sacrificed by intracardiac perfusion of 4% paraformaldehyde. The temporal bones were then removed and immunohistochemically stained for CAD and caspase 3, using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labelling method. CAD was observed in the stria vascularis and the spiral ligament. Caspase 3 was also detected in the stria vascularis, the spiral ligament and the supporting cells of the organ of Corti. These findings suggest that apoptosis is involved in the cochlear damage observed in cancer patients treated with cisplatin.     

内耳免疫反应中细胞凋亡的研究

目的探讨内耳免疫反应过程是否引起细胞凋亡以及Fas和FasL、Bcl-2和Bax的表达情况。方法选用雌性白色豚鼠16只，随机分为实验组和对照组各8只，以钥孔蛾血蓝蛋白全身免疫后，实验组以相同抗原进行内耳免疫，对照组内耳注射等量的磷酸盐缓冲生理盐水，在内耳免疫7d后处死动物，取内耳免疫侧耳蜗做石蜡切片。通过电镜和脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记技术(terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling，TUNEL)检测内耳凋亡细胞，免疫组化检测内耳Fas和FasL以及Bcl-2和Bax的表达。结果透射电镜观察发现实验组术后7d内耳外毛细胞、血管纹细胞及螺旋神经节细胞都出现了凋亡细胞的特征性改变，而对照组未发现具有上述特征的细胞。实验组内耳Corti器毛细胞，血管纹的缘细胞和螺旋神经节细胞存在TUNEL染色阳性细胞，TUNEL染色阳性细胞具有凋亡细胞的典型形态学特征，对照组内耳的任何结构中都没发现TUNEL染色阳性细胞。免疫组化染色实验组Corti器、螺旋神经节细胞、血管纹和螺旋韧带Fas和FasL蛋白表达阳性，而对照组只有螺旋神经节细胞和血管纹有较弱的Fas蛋白表达，FasL蛋白表达阴性。实验组Corti器、螺旋神经节细胞、侧壁Bcl-2蛋白表达阴性，对照组的Corti器、侧壁和螺旋神经节细胞Bcl-2蛋白表达阳性。实验组Corti器、侧壁和螺旋神经节细胞Bax蛋白表达阳性，对照组只有螺旋神经节细胞Bax蛋白表达弱阳性，Corti器、侧壁表达阴性。结论内耳免疫反应可诱导细胞凋亡发生，Fas-FasL是此过程的信号转导途径之一，Bcl-2和Bax蛋白在其中起了重要调节作用。     

Protective effect of T-type calcium channel blocker flunarizine on cisplatin-induced death of auditory cells

Changes in intracellular Ca2+ level are involved in a number of intracellular events, including triggering of apoptosis. The role of intracellular calcium mobilization in cisplatin-induced hair cell death, however, is still unknown. In this study, the effect of calcium channel blocker flunarizine (Sibelium), which is used to prescribe for vertigo and tinnitus, on cisplatin-induced hair cell death was investigated in a cochlear organ of Corti-derived cell line, HEI-OC1, and the neonatal (P2) rat organ of Corti explant. Cisplatin induced apoptotic cell death showing nuclear fragmentation, DNA ladder, and TUNEL positive in both HEI-OC1 and primary organ of Corti explant. Flunarizine significantly inhibited the cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Unexpectedly, flunarizine increased the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels of HEI-OC1. However, the protective effect of flunarizine against cisplatin was not mediated by modulation of intracellular calcium level. Treatment of cisplatin resulted in ROS generation and lipid peroxidation in HEI-OC1. Flunarizine did not attenuate ROS production but inhibited lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial permeability transition in cisplatin-treated cells. This result suggests that the protective mechanism of flunarizine on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity is associated with direct inhibition of lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial permeability transition.     

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.     

硫辛酸不同方式给药对急性声损伤耳蜗细胞凋亡的抑制效应

目的 比较抗氧化剂硫辛酸(lipoic acid,LA)经静脉与鼓室两种不同给药途径对急性声损伤后动物耳蜗内细胞凋亡过程的影响.方法 48只豚鼠随机分为4组.A:鼓室注射硫辛酸组,不给于噪声暴露;B:单纯噪声暴露组(110 dB SPL稳态噪声暴露5 h);C:噪声暴露+静脉注射硫辛酸组;D:噪声暴露+鼓室注射硫辛酸组.各组动物于处理前和处理后1、3、5、7 d取出豚鼠耳蜗,石蜡包埋、切片.应用原位末端标记技术(TUNEL)标记凋亡细胞,观察耳蜗Corti器、血管纹、螺旋神经节等部位细胞的凋亡特点. 结果光镜下Corti器、血管纹、螺旋神经节TUNEL阳性反应细胞表现为细胞核染成棕黄色或棕褐色.硫辛酸经鼓室注射组(A组)未见明显凋亡细胞.噪声暴露后经鼓室注射硫辛酸组(D组)与经静脉注射组(C组)同单纯暴露组(B组)相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).但C、D两种方式抑制凋亡无明显的差异(P>0.05).结论 110 dB SPL噪声暴露5 h可导致急性声损伤,引起豚鼠耳蜗组织内细胞的凋亡.抗氧化剂硫辛酸经鼓室与静脉注射对噪声暴露后细胞的凋亡皆有明显的抑制效应,但鼓室注射较静脉注射无明显的优势.     

Cisplatin ototoxicity in guinea pigs with special reference to toxic effects in the stria vascularis

The toxic effects of cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum [II]) on the organ of Corti are well established. Few and conflicting data on this drug's effects on the stria vascularis exist. The present study presents animal experiments on the toxic effects of cisplatin in the stria vascularis and in the organ of Corti. Cisplatin-induced toxicity in albino and pigmented guinea pigs was evaluated morphologically and functionally, using light and transmission electron microscopy as well as auditory brainstem-evoked potentials on the organ of Corti and the stria vascularis. The results showed variability in hearing thresholds, ranging from no change to hearing loss of 30 dB, and prominent damage in the organ of Corti and in the stria vascularis. The toxic effects to both the organ of Corti and the stria vascularis should be considered when cisplatin is used in chemotherapy.     

Fine structure histopathology of labyrinthitis ossificans in the gerbil model

Labyrinthitis ossificans (LO) is the pathological deposition of new bone within the lumen of the cochlea and labyrinth. This process occurs most commonly as a result of infection or inflammation affecting the otic capsule. Trauma and vascular compromise can also lead to neo-ossification within the otic capsule. The mechanism that regulates this process remains unestablished. This study details the end-stage histopathology in high-resolution plastic thin sections. Twenty Mongolian gerbils were infected by intrathecal injection of Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 followed by subcutaneous penicillin G procaine (8 days) and were painlessly sacrificed 3 months later. The cochleas were serially divided and sectioned for light and electron microscopy. Sixteen of 20 animals (27 of 40 cochleas) demonstrated LO. Cochlear damage was most extensive in the vestibule and basal turn and decreased toward the apex, which often appeared normal. The histopathologic findings consisted of 1) new bone, calcospherites, osteoid, and fibrosis without dense connective tissue or osteoblasts extending from the endosteal wall into the lumen of the vestibule and scala tympani; 2) areas of dense connective tissue and osteoid enclosed by epithelial cells conjoined with the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, spiral ligament, and vestibular (Reissner's) membrane; and 3) partial to complete loss of the organ of Corti, spiral ligament cell bodies, stria vascularis, and spiral ganglion cells. Osteoblastic activity was not demonstrated in end-stage ossification in LO in the gerbil model. Neo-ossification appears to occur by calcospherite deposition along collagen-like fibrils within osteoid. The destruction of the organ of Corti, spiral ganglion cells, stria vascularis, and cells of Reissner's membrane and the spiral ligament occurs even in the absence of ossification of the cochlear duct.     

Sendai virus vector-mediated transgene expression in the cochlea in vivo

We injected a recombinant Sendai virus (SeV) vector into the guinea pig cochlea using two different approaches--the scala media and scala tympani--and investigated which cell types took up the vector. The hearing threshold shift and distribution of transfected cells in animals using the scala media approach were different compared to those using the scala tympani approach. SeV can transfect very different types of cells, including stria vascularis, spiral ganglion neurons, and sensory epithelia of the organ of Corti, and fibrocytes of the scala tympani. Because SeV vectors can potentially deliver stimuli to the cochlea to induce hair cell regeneration, it may be a powerful tool for repairing the organ of Corti.     

Time sequence of degeneration pattern in the guinea pig cochlea during cisplatin administration. A quantitative histological study

We investigated the key tissues that are implicated in cisplatin ototoxicity within the time window during which degeneration starts. Guinea pigs were treated with cisplatin at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day for either 4, 6, or 8 consecutive days. Histological changes in the organ of Corti, the stria vascularis and the spiral ganglion were quantified at the light microscopical level. Outer hair cell (OHC) loss started between 4 and 6 days of cisplatin administration, but is only significantly different from the non-treated group after 8 days of treatment. Midmodiolar OHC counts were comparable to the cytocochleogram data. The cross-sectional area of the stria vascularis did not differ from the non-treated group, nor did an endolymphatic hydrops develop during the course of treatment. Spiral ganglion cell (SGC) densities did not decrease. After 6 days, however, detachment of the myelin sheath of the type-I SGCs was seen in the lower basal turn, whereas after 8 days it was also present in the more apically located turns. Myelin sheath detachment is the result of perikaryal shrinkage and swelling of the myelin sheath. The present study confirms that cisplatin at a daily dose of 2 mg/kg has a detrimental effect on the OHCs as well as on the type-I SGCs. These intracochlear effects occur simultaneously; OHC loss and SGC shrinkage start between the fourth and sixth day of cisplatin administration and appear to develop in parallel. At this dose, no histological effect on the stria vascularis could be observed, although previous electrophysiological experiments demonstrated a clear effect on the endocochlear potential     

Localization of glucocorticoid receptors and glucocorticoid receptor mRNAs in the rat cochlea

The distribution of glucocorticoid (GR) receptor messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and GR receptors was studied by in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunocytochemistry, respectively. In situ hybridization histochemistry was performed with a biotin-labeled riboprobe complementary to rat GR receptor mRNA. GR receptor mRNAs were demonstrated in spiral ligament cells, spiral limbus cells, and spiral ganglion cells. GR receptor mRNAs were demonstrated neither in cells of the stria vascularis nor in cells of the organ of Corti region. With the use of a monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody, GR receptors were observed in the spiral ligament cells, stria vascularis cells, spiral limbus cells, and spiral ganglion cells by immunocytochemistry. Binding of anti-GR-receptor antibodies to a lesser extent was observed in the organ of Corti region; however, cellular distribution of the GR receptors could not be resolved with the applied techniques. These results suggest that the GR receptor is expressed differently in the heterogeneous cochlear tissues.     

The influence of ischemia upon the energy reserves of inner ear tissues

Ischemic changes in the levels of glucose, glycogen, ATP and P-creatine are determined under “closed system” conditions in the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, ganglion spirale, cochlear nerve and vestibular sensory epithelia. From the resting levels of these compounds the total energy reserve in terms of equivalents of high energy phosphate, both preformed and potentially available from anaerobic glycolysis, is computed. The energy reserves are highest in the organ of Corti, intermediate in stria vascularis, spiral ganglion and vestibular structures, and lowest in the cochlear nerve. The rate of depletion of these energy reserves in ischemia is used as an indicator of the energy requirements of the respective tissues. The metabolic rate is by far the highest in the stria vascularis, intermediate in ganglion spirale and cochlear nerve and lowest in the organ of Corti and vestibular structures. There is no correlation between the total energy reserve and the initial energy use rates. The obtained data are compared with the dynamic patterns of the corresponding biopotentials and with pertinent results of enzymatic and respirometric studies; in addition, ischemic changes in glucose and lactate levels of perilymph are described.     

Results of an ultrastructural study comparing stria vascularis with organ of Corti in guinea pigs treated with kanamycin

Ultrastructural study of ototoxicity is well documented with two points of interest: organ of Corti for aminoglycosides and stria vascularis for loop diuretics. As a previous study suggested initial lesions of stria vascularis, an attempt of comparison and of chronological study was made between the organ of Corti and stria vascularis lesions by kanamycin intoxication. The method was devised by J. M. ARAN, with electrophysiological control. We failed to find in the stria vascularis a radial or longitudinal pattern of lesions. We could not discern a chronological injury between the organ of Corti and stria vascularis because both were damaged even in the less deafened animals. Nevertheless, two facts were clarified: hair cell lesions are lysosomial as for the kidney lesions, while stria vascularis lesions are mitochondrial, melanine granulations play a part in drug metabolism (increased number, secretory aspect) and deserve further study.     

The cochlear targets of cisplatin: an electrophysiological and morphological time-sequence study

Cisplatin ototoxicity has at least three major targets in the cochlea: the stria vascularis, the organ of Corti, and the spiral ganglion. This study aims to differentiate between these three targets. In particular, we address the question of whether the effects at the level of the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion are mutually dependent or whether they develop in parallel. This question was approached by studying the ototoxic effects while they develop electrophysiologically and comparing these to earlier presented histological data [Van Ruijven et al., 2004. Hear. Res. 197, 44-54]. Guinea pigs were treated with intraperitoneal injections of cisplatin at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day for either 4, 6, or 8 consecutive days. This time sequence has not revealed any evidence of one ototoxic process triggering another. Therefore, we have to stay with the conclusion of Van Ruijven et al. (2004) that both processes run in parallel.     

Systemic dexamethasone for the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is a common side effect of cisplatin chemotherapy. This study was undertaken to determine the potential protective effects of a systemic administration of dexamethasone against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. A prospective controlled trial conducted in an animal model. The setting was Animal care research facilities of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Research Institute. An experimental guinea pig model was used. The animals were divided as follows: group 1 (n = 10): 12 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP) cisplatin, group 2 (n = 14): 15 mg/kg/day dexamethasone IP for 2 days followed by cisplatin 12 mg/kg IP, group 3 (n = 14): 10 mg/kg/day dexamethasone IP for 2 days, on day 3, they received cisplatin 12 mg/kg IP followed by 20 mg/kg/day dexamethasone for 2 days and group 4 (n = 5): 10 ml of saline IP twice a day for 3 days. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold shifts were measured at four frequencies (8, 16, 20 and 25 kHz) for groups 1, 2 and 3. Histological changes in the organ of Corti, the stria vascularis, the spiral ligament and the spiral ganglion neurons as well as scanning electron microscopy for outer hair cells were completed. Immunohistochemistry for tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was performed. ABR threshold shifts were similar in all groups. Histological and scanning electron findings demonstrate that dexamethasone has greater protective effect on the stria vascularis. Systemic dexamethasone administration in a guinea pig model did not provide significant protection against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Dexamethasone may be useful in future applications as a complementary treatment.     

Localization of Inducible Heat Shock Protein mRNA in the Guinea Pig Cochlea with a Nonradioactive In Situ Hybridization Technique

Cell types of the guinea pig cochlea that contain mRNA of the inducible heat shock protein (HSP72) were determined with an in situ hybridization technique, using a biotinylated oligonucleotide probe. Staining was present in the spiral limbus, spiral prominence, stria vascularis, and organ of Corti (supporting, pillar, outer hair, and interdental cells). In sections digested with pepsin, only spiral ganglion cells stained. The pattern of staining was similar in normal and heat-stressed animals. Therefore, HSP72 mRNA is present in many guinea pig cochlear cell types, some of which have not previously been shown to contain HSP72 protein. Differences in HSP72 mRNA and protein staining may be attributable to stress or processing techniques, but they may also suggest mechanisms unique to guinea pigs and primates, who normally express the inducible form of HSP.     

凋亡及其相关基因在实验性自身免疫性内耳病小鼠内耳组织中的表达

目的探讨凋亡及其相关基因在自身免疫性内耳病形成和发展中的作用。方法选用近交系C57BL／6小鼠随机数字表法分为正常对照组和免疫7、14、21、28d组，每组16只。提取豚鼠内耳膜迷路组织为抗原，与等量完令弗氏佐剂，百日咳杆菌一次免疫实验组动物，制备自身免疫性内耳病动物模型，应用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记技术（terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase—mediated d-UTP nick end—labing，TUNEL）检测内耳中的细胞凋亡，应用免疫组化和逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）技术检测Fas、FasL及bcl-2在内耳的表达。结果正常小鼠内耳组织中，TUNEL染色阳性细胞极为少见，偶尔在Corti器或球囊斑的支持细胞发现。免疫7d后，内毛细胞和少量的血管纹边缘细胞TUNEL染色阳性，14d后TUNEL染色阳性的细胞数量及种类显著增加，但外毛细胞、螺旋神经节细胞与前庭神经节细胞免疫前后均未见凋亡表达。免疫组化染色显示，正常小鼠内耳中Fas表达广泛，FasL存部分螺旋神经节细胞与前庭神经节细胞表达，bcl-2仅在螺旋神经节细胞、前庭神经节细胞有较强表达。免疫后FasL在各种组织均有较强表达，bcl一2在外毛细胞出现表达，在耳蜗神经无细胞的表达增加。RT—PCR检测正常小鼠内耳组织的Fas mRNA、FasL mRNA、bcl-2mRNA均为阳性，FasL mRNA低水平表达，免疫后升高，在2周达到高峰后逐渐下降；bcl-2 mRNA在免疫后进行性升高。结论Fas／FasL信号系统介导的凋亡与自身免疫性内耳病的发生、发展过程关系密切，bcl-2对内耳中Fas／FasL介导的凋亡有重要的调节作用。