Ultrastructural localization of aquaporin 1 in endolymphatic sac of the mouse / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the ultrastructural localization of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in the endolymphatic sac (ES) of the mouse inner ear and explore the function of the AQP1 in ES.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cellular localization of AQP1 in ES of the mouse inner ear was investigated by immunocytochemistry. The ultrastructural localization of AQP1 in the mouse inner ear was performed by immunogold electron microscopy which is characterized as cryoprotection and high sensitivity.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the ES, strong AQP1 labeling was observed in the sub-epithelial connective tissue. Fibroblasts of sub-epithelial connective tissue of the ES present densely labeling of gold particles. But the epithelial cells of the ES were devoid of labeling. AQP1 was localized on the cell processes of the fibrocytes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AQP1 in the ES may play an important role in absorbing water and regulate the balance of fluid and ion in the inner ear.</p>