Downregulation of inwardly rectifying potassium channel 5.1 expression in C57BL/6J cochlear lateral wall / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Age-related hearing loss (AHL) is one of the most common sensory disorders among elderly persons. The inwardly rectifying potassium channel 5.1 (Kir5.1) plays a vital role in regulating cochlear K(+) circulation which is necessary for normal hearing. The distribution of Kir5.1 in C57BL/6J mice cochleae, and the relationship between the expression of Kir5.1 and the etiology of AHL were investigated. Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups at 4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks of age respectively. The location of Kir5.1 was detected by immunofluorescence technique. The mRNA and protein expression of Kir5.1 was evaluated in mice cochleae using real-time polymerase-chain reactions (RT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively. Kir5.1 was detected in the type II and IV fibrocytes of the spiral ligament in the cochlear lateral wall of C57BL/6J mice. The expression levels of Kir5.1 mRNA and protein in the cochleae of aging C57BL/6J mice were down-regulated. It was suggested that the age-related decreased expression of Kir5.1 in the lateral wall of C57BL/6J mice was associated with hearing loss. Our results indicated that Kir5.1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AHL.

Expression of PDCD5 and caspase 3 in the cochlea of different age of C57BL/6J mice / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the age related changes of the expression of programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) and caspase 3 in the cochlea of the different age of C57BL/6J mice. The relationship of PDCD5 and caspase 3 and the possible roles in the pathogenesis of presbycusis were also discussed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>C57 mice of 3, 6, 9 and 12 months old were selected and divided into 4 groups, with 15 mice in each group. Auditory function of C57BL/6J mice was measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR) respectively. The changes of PDCD5 and Caspase 3 protein in the cochlea were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, the changes of PDCD5 mRNA and caspase 3 mRNA were detected using RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the increase of age, the mean value for ABR thresholds in response to click, 4 kHz and 8 kHz sound stimulus of C57 mice gradually increased, the expression of PDCD5 and caspase 3 were increased also. At 3 months and 6 months of age in the cochlea of C57, all sorts of expression of PDCD5 and caspase 3 and the expression were enhanced with age. There was an evident expression at 9 months age, but the highest expression was detected at 12 months age. The PDCD5 and Caspase 3 expression were statistically different in each group (P < 0.05). The changes of PDCD5 and caspase 3 mRNA expression were in accordance with that of PDCD5 and Caspase 3 protein expression by the real-time PCR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression levels of PDCD5 and caspase 3 in the cochlea of C57 mice increase with age, the results suggested that the expression of PDCD5 and caspase 3 might play an important role in the pathogenic mechanism of presbycusis.</p>

Association of age-related hearing loss with ion transporter KCNQ1 and NKCC1 in cochlea of C57BL/6J mice / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the age-related expression of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 ion transporters in the stria vascularis in the cochlea of C57BL/6J mice, and to analyze the relationship between the two ion transporters and age-related hearing loss.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Auditory function of C57BL/6J mice was measured by auditory brainstem response (ABR) at the ages of 4, 8, 14, 24, 40 weeks old respectively. The location of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 ion transporters in the cochlea of C57BL/6J mice was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the levels of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 mRNA in the cochlea of C57BL/6J mice at different ages.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean values for ABR thresholds in response to click, 4 kHz and 8 kHz sound stimulus of C57BL/6J mice gradually increased with age. The ABR thresholds of the mice of over 14 weeks age were significantly elevated in comparison with lower ages (P < 0.05). In the lateral wall of C57BL/6J mice cochlea, the KCNQ1 protein was mainly expressed at the apical membrane of the strial marginal cells. The localization of NKCC1 protein was mainly present at the basolateral membrane of the stria marginal cells, spiral ligament and the fibrocytes in the inferior portion of spiral limbus. Expression of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 protein in cochlea of C57BL/6J mice showed age-related decreasing. The level of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 mRNA in cochlea of C57BL/6J also showed a age-related decreasing trend. There was a significant reducing of KCNQ1 mRNA level between C57BL/6J mice of 40 and 4 weeks old (P < 0.05). In comparison with the C57BL/6J mice of 4 weeks old, the NKCC1 mRNA levels of 24 and 40 weeks old also showed significant reducing (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The mean value for ABR thresholds of C57BL/6J mice gradually increased with age. Expression of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 protein in the stria vascularis of C57BL/6J mice decreases with age. The levels of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 mRNA in cochlea of C57BL/6J showed a age-related reducing trend. Regulating after post-translation may also participate in the adjusting of the age-related decreasing of KCNQ1 and NKCC1 protein in the cochlea of C57BL/6J mice. KCNQ1 and NKCC1 ion transporters may play a critical role in maintaining normal hearing function of inner ear.</p>

Rapid cochlea lesion induced by co-administration of kanamycin and furosemide in mouse / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the ototoxicity of co-administration of kanamycin and furosemide in mouse and establish a reliable model to induce a sensorineural hearing loss.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CBA/J mice strain was selected, with the age around 3-4 weeks old, to be received a single subcutaneous injection of kanamycin at dose of 1 g/kg and another single intraperitoneal injection of furosemide at dose of 0.4 g/kg 30 - 45 min afterward. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold shift was tested. The series of experimental methods including propidium iodide, phalloidin staining, semithin section toluidine blue staining, TUNEL, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were applied to observe the characteristics of the lesion of cochlea and hair cells. The time course was set as following: before injection, 12, 24, 48 hours and 1, 2, 4, 12 weeks after injections, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ABR threshold shift was firstly presented a significant increase at 12 h after injection at 2, 4, 8 kHz, then the ABR threshold kept going up during next 36 h until it was presented a stable level around 90 dB. Pathological examination showed an absence of outer hair cells at basal turn rapidly since 12 h after treatment, and then by 48 h the most commonly observed lesion, where all outer hair cells throughout the length of the cochlea were killed, in the contrast, however, the inner hair cells loss were delayed and mild. TUNEL-positive nuclei demonstrated that most hair cells died via an apoptotic pathway. In scanning electron microscopy abundance of necrotic outer hair cells were detected by 24 h after treatment, in which reticular lamina were collapsed. Then all outer hair cells were replaced by expansion of heads of supporting cells. At 48 h after treatment, marginal cells presented a swollen and some of them were observed to be fused. In addition, spherical cell extrusion appeared to leak out from some marginal cells. By 2 weeks, nearly all microvillus were lost and marginal cells presented a shape of stone-like change. A significant and progressive decrease in strial vascularis thickness was found, of which the reason probably related with a reduction in volume of marginal cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This systemic protocol eliminates hair cells extensively in vivo, and it could be a reliable model to examine different aspects of cochlear pathology in transgenic or mutant mice strains.</p>

A novel retractor designed for mouse microsurgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce a novel retractor with magnetic fixator for mouse microsurgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The retractor was consisted of a magnet, a screw, two screw nuts and a hook made of dental stainless wire. The screw was connected to the magnet with magnetic force, and then was assembled to be a so-called magnetic fixator. The hook was clamped by two screw nuts on the screw, and these makes up of the retractor finally. Comparison has been done between the novel retractor and traditional retractor in the clinical application of the otocyst exposure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The retractor can quickly claw and retract massive tissue like muscles and vessels to the target position, thus, this properties would tend to offer a clear and expanded operative field. In addition, the height, orientation and strength of traction was all adjustable. By Comparison with tradition retractor, the operative incision can be shorten via the application of the retractor, also, it would reduce the trauma of muscles and vessels as well as the accidental rate of bleeding in the process of operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The retractor can offer a expanded operative field of the mouse otocyst conveniently. It could be a simple, powerful and minimal invasive tool for mouse microsurgery.</p>

Role of ion channel Na-K-2Cl and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase in cochlear potassium cycling and auditory function / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the auditory function and the role of NKCC1 and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase in the potassium recycling of cochlea.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>NKCC1(+/-) / alpha2 Na, K-ATPase(+/-) mice model was established from NKCC1(+/-) and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase(+/-) mice. The auditory function of all strain mice were detected by auditory brainstem response (ABR) and endocochlear potential (EP) to investigate the role of NKCC1 and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase in the potassium recycling of cochlea. Furosemide and ouabain were applied to block the two channels in Castel mice line which can long-time maintain normal auditory function and then their auditory function was detected by ABR to authenticate the mode of potassium recycling in vivo and the relationship between cochlear potassium recycling and NKCC1(+/-) and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean value for ABR thresholds in response to stimulus was elevated in NKCC1(+/-) and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase (+/-) mice [(38.49 +/- 12.29) dB and (53.32 +/- 7.62) dB) ] respectively, which was significantly increased compared with that observed in wild type mice [(23.13 +/- 3.78) dB, P < 0.05) ]; The EP value of NKCC1(+/-) [(78 +/- 7) mV] and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase(+/-) mice [(71 +/- 14) mV] was decreased compared with that of NKCC1(+/-) / alpha2 Na, K-ATPase(+/-) mice [( 86 +/- 11) mV]. The auditory function of NKCC1(+/-) / alpha2 Na, K-ATPase(+/-) mice could simulate the model of cochlear potassium recycling well. NKCC1 and Na, K-ATPase were great of importance in the potassium recycling, while the two ion channels were in restrict dynamic equilibrium. Castel mice line after administration with furosemide developed significant ABR threshold shifts (P < 0.05) compared with control group. Castel mice line after administration with ouabain also developed greatly significant ABR threshold shifts (P < 0.05) compared with control group. ABR threshold shifts in mice after administration both furosemide and ouabain was attenuated compared with only administration with furosemide (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ion channel NKCC1 and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase played important roles in the inner ear potassium recycling. Dysfunction of either of them could influence potassium concentration in the endolymph and lead to hearing loss subsequently. The role of NKCC1 and alpha2 Na, K-ATPase in cochlear potassium recycling was authenticated in vivo. The two ion channels contribute the key role for dynamic equilibrium in cochlear potassium recycling and are of great importance for the metabolism of potassium in the inner ear to maintain the normal auditory function.</p>