[Detection of GABAA alpha 2 mRNA in rat vestibular end organ with in-situ hybridization].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on rat vestibular end organ.


METHODS
In the rat inner ear paraffin slides, GABAA receptor alpha 2 subunit mRNA in vestibular end organ has been detected with in-situ hybridization. Digoxigenin-GABAA alpha 2 cDNA prob (549 base pair), Anti-Digoxigenin-AP (Fab fragments) and BM Purple AP Substrate (precipitating) have been used.


RESULTS
GABAA receptor alpha 2 subunit mRNA has been found in all vestibular ganglion cells and nerve ending surrounding type I hair cells in rat's cristae ampullaris. GABAA alpha 2 has not been found in hair cells and supporting cells. As a positive control, GABAA alpha 2 mRNA has been found in Purkinje cells and granule cells in rat's cerebellum. GABAA alpha 2 has not been found in OMP negative control, non-prob negative control and non-anti-digoxingenin control in inner ear and cerebellum slides.


CONCLUSIONS
GABAA alpha 2 receptor has been found in vestibular afferent nerve endings and vestibular ganglion cells. It strongly indicates that GABA is an afferent nerve transmitter in the vestibular end organ and plays an important role in the vestibular afferent nerve transmission.
Zheng
H
H
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. Liuzoe@mail.sc.cninfo.net
Qin
X
X
Fu
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000737:chemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000378:metabolism*; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000737:chemistry*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000737:chemistry*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A