title: Imbalanced calcium homeostasis and endolymphatic hydrops.
abstract: In this paper the current state of knowledge of the development in experimental endolymphatic hydrops (EEH) is summarized, with particular emphasis on calcium. An imbalanced Ca2+ homeostasis in the inner ear is demonstrated using EEH as an animal model for Meniere's disease. The possibility of a receptor-mediated Ca2+ transport across the epithelial layer, especially the light cells, and of 'chemical signal' as an initiating modulating factor in the disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis was suggested. It is pointed out that melanin is capable of binding calcium and may act as a buffering system. Finally, the possible malfunction of the Ca-overloaded melanocytes on the inner ear function is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Düsseldorf, West Germany.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Meyer zum Gottesberge
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004711:Endolymphatic Duct / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006706:Homeostasis; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D002118:Calcium