Immunohistochemical localisation of endothelin receptor subtypes in the cochlear lateral wall.

摘要

OBJECTIVE: Endothelin has many biological activities, including regulation of the functions of the cochlear lateral wall. The present study aimed to analyse the expression of endothelin receptors in the cochlear lateral wall, and to investigate the significance of such receptors in maintaining the homeostatic environment of the cochlea. METHODS: The cochleae of healthy guinea pigs were fixed, decalcified, embedded in paraffin and serially sectioned. Expression of the endothelin receptor subunits A and B in the cochlear lateral wall was examined using an immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS: Different degrees of endothelin receptor subunit A and endothelin receptor subunit B like activity were found distributed in the cells of the cochlear lateral wall. CONCLUSION: These findings support the theory that endothelin, via its receptors, plays an important role in maintaining the homeostatic environment of the cochlea.