Localization of laminin isoforms in the guinea pig cochlea.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the pathogenesis of inner ear disorders by examining the distribution of a major component of basement membranes, the glycoprotein laminin.


METHODS
Animal model.


METHODS
Adult guinea pig cochleae were fixed with methanol and sectioned. Sections were examined for the presence of laminins alpha2, alpha5, beta1, and gamma1 using immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Laminins alpha2, alpha5, and beta1 were not detected. Laminin gamma1 was found in the limbus, spiral ligament, and stria vascularis.


CONCLUSIONS
Anti-laminin antibodies have been found in patients with inner ear disorders. Laminin gamma1 demonstrates specific staining at multiple sites in the guinea pig cochlea. These structures may be targets of antibodies causing sensorineural hearing loss.
Weinberger
D G
DG
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Essen, Germany.
ten Cate
W J
WJ
Lautermann
J
J
Baethmann
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D003051:Cochlea / Q000473:pathology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007797:Laminin / Q000032:analysis*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D012016:Reference Values
D007797:Laminin; D020033:Protein Isoforms