Expression of Tonicity-Responsive Enhancer Binding Protein (TonEBP) in the Rat Cochlea: An Immunohistochemical Study.
- Author:
Yong Sig KWUN
1
;
Sun Woo LIM
;
Sang W YEO
;
Kyung Hun YANG
;
Seung Ho CHOI
;
Tae Hyung KIM
;
Jin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Hallym University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. jinkim@cmc.cuk.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
TonEBP;
Tonicity;
Inner ear fluid
- MeSH:
Animals;
Basilar Membrane;
Carrier Proteins*;
Cell Survival;
Cochlea*;
Connective Tissue;
Ear, Inner;
Enhancer Elements, Genetic;
Hair;
Hearing;
Homeostasis;
Humans;
Immunohistochemistry;
Male;
Rats*;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley;
Scala Tympani;
Spiral Ligament of Cochlea;
Water-Electrolyte Balance
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2002;45(5):439-444
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The inner ear is an organ used for hearing and balance. For its normal function, the inner ear fluid homeostasis is required. There has been controversy over the regulatory mechanisms of maintaining inner ear fluid balance, and they have not yet been clearly defined. TonEBP is the protein that binds tonicity-responsive enhancer elements in the osmoprotective gene, which elevates the compatible osmolytes, which in turn induces cell survival in hypertonic condition. The aim of this study was to elucidate if there is an osmoregulatory mechanism in cochlea. Material and Method: The localization of TonEBP in the cochlea of male Sprague-Dawley rats was studied by immunohistochemistry with an anti rabbit polyclonal anti-rat TonEBP antibody. RESULTS: TonEBP was expressed at outer hair cells, Deiter cells, spiral ligaments, sprial limbus connective tissues, and epithelial lining of basilar membrane facing scala tympani. CONCLUSION: TonEBP in cochlea is one of the proteins involved in elucidating cell survival in changed tonicity during inner ear homeostasis.
