Anoctamin 1 expression in the mouse auditory brainstem.

Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) are involved in numerous physiological functions, including the epithelial movement of fluid. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) has recently been cloned and characterized as a CaCC and is known to be expressed in various secretory epithelia and in nervous tissues such as the dorsal root ganglia and retina. However, data regarding the expression, function, and cellular and subcellular localization of CaCCs in the brain are still limited. We investigated the distribution and expression patterns of ANO1 in adult mouse brain. Reverse transcriptase plus the polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that ANO1 was widely distributed throughout the brain. Furthermore, ANO1 was strongly expressed in two auditory brainstem nuclei: the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN). Double-labeling experiments revealed that this ANO1 expression was exclusive to the presynaptic endings of both the MNTB and AVCN. ANO1 is thus mainly localized at presynaptic terminals in various brain regions, specifically in two auditory brainstem nuclei, the MNTB and AVCN, and might therefore contribute to the high-frequency synaptic transmission of auditory signals.

Analysis of clinical feature and management of laryngeal fracture: recent 22 case review.

PURPOSE: Laryngeal fracture is rare, but complications are frequent and severe. Controversy still exists in regards to its proper management. The aim of this study was to present the clinical findings and management of laryngeal fracture in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of 22 patients with laryngeal fracture at a tertiary care trauma center from 2000 to 2010 retrospectively. RESULTS: In total, 22 patients (19 men and 3 woman) presented with laryngeal fractures caused by blunt (n=13) or penetrating (n=9) injury. Pain (68.1%), odynophagia (68.1%), hoarseness (18.1%), hemoptysis (13.6%), and subcutaneous emphysema (9%) were the common presenting symptoms and noncomminuted fracture was common. High velocity blunt trauma (mostly traffic accidents) patients had more extensive injury and poor voice outcomes. Penetrating trauma patients due to physical assault or suicide attempt demonstrated more frequently injuries on the left side. CONCLUSION: In driver-caused traffic accidents, where injuries in a wide area within the larynx occurred, poor voice results were seen, and these injuries required aggressive treatment. When endotracheal intubation was performed at experienced emergency centers with fiberoptic laryngoscopes, airway management was safely achieved. In addition, if the fractured laryngeal framework was corrected at appropriate times, voice results were good.