Alpha and beta subunits of acetylcholine receptors in the human inner ear.
The localization and distribution of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (n-ACh-r) was characterized by studying alpha and beta subunits in the adult human inner ear by FITC fluorescence technique. In the cochlea, distinct fluorescence staining occurred for beta subunits in outer hair cells (OHCs), but no alpha subunits were identified. Beta subunits differ quantitatively between the three rows of OHCs, decreasing along a base-to-apex gradient in the cochlea. Both alpha and beta subunits were identified on spiral ganglion cells, adjacent nerve fibres and in vestibular hair cells (HCs). It would appear that they form an active complex in n-ACh-r at these locations.
Popa
R
R
Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital (Akademiska Sjukhuset), Uppsala, Sweden.
Anniko
M
M
Arnold
W
W
Oestreicher
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003051:Cochlea / Q000737:chemistry; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000737:chemistry*; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D018072:Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer / Q000737:chemistry; D018069:Hair Cells, Vestibular / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis*; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000032:analysis*; D013136:Spiral Ganglion / Q000737:chemistry
D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; C066297:acetylcholine receptor alpha-subunit (125-148); D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate