[The relationship between cell proliferation and apoptosis of vestibular epithelium in the developing guinea pig].
OBJECTIVE
The cell proliferation and apoptosis of vestibular epithelium in normal developing guinea pig were observed to elucidate the relationship and effect between proliferation and apoptosis in developing vestibular epithelium.


METHODS
Twenty Guinea pigs with different developing ages were used in our studies. Cell proliferation was detected by proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunocytochemistry while apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) method and transmission electro-microscopy.


RESULTS
PCNA staining had been detected in supporting cells but not in hair cells, and the positive cells were gradually decreased with ageing. The differentiated hair cells and supporting cells underwent apoptosis in vestibular sensory epithelium, and TUNEL-positive cells were also markedly decreased with ageing. After birth, TUNEL-positive hair cells were located at the top of ampulla.


CONCLUSIONS
During the development of guinea pig, cell proliferation as well as apoptosis events diminish contemporaneously. The balance between proliferation and apoptosis may regulate the normal number of cells, and is related to guarantee the normal structure and function of inner ear.
Hu
J
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China. hujinwei@sina.com.cn
Huang
W
W
Jiang
H
H
Qiu
J
J
Liu
S
S
Wang
M
M
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002455:Cell Division; D004848:Epithelium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development
D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen