title: What's new in ion transports in the cochlea?
abstract: Recent advances in the field of the physiology of inner ear fluids permitted the characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in critical processes such as the absorption of K(+) through cochlear sensory hair cells (mechanoelectrical transduction) or the secretion of K(+) by marginal cells of the stria vascularis. In addition, new pathways for ion circulations were evidenced. Mutations of transporters involved in some of these pathways, especially in K(+) recycling through gap junction systems, and in local pH regulation, are among the most frequent etiologies of genetic deafness in humans.
authors.affiliation: Inserm EMI U-0112, Faculté Xavier Bichat, 16, rue Henri Huchard, Paris 75018, France. vincent.couloigner@nck.aphp.fr
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Couloigner
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sterkers
authors.forename: Evelyne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ferrary
mesh_terms: D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000818:Animals; D003051:Cochlea / Q000378:metabolism*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000502:physiology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D014867:Water; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium