[Ultrastructural localization of aquaporin 1 in endolymphatic sac of the mouse].
OBJECTIVE
To study the ultrastructural localization of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in the endolymphatic sac (ES) of the mouse inner ear and explore the function of the AQP1 in ES.


METHODS
The cellular localization of AQP1 in ES of the mouse inner ear was investigated by immunocytochemistry. The ultrastructural localization of AQP1 in the mouse inner ear was performed by immunogold electron microscopy which is characterized as cryoprotection and high sensitivity.


RESULTS
In the ES, strong AQP1 labeling was observed in the sub-epithelial connective tissue. Fibroblasts of sub-epithelial connective tissue of the ES present densely labeling of gold particles. But the epithelial cells of the ES were devoid of labeling. AQP1 was localized on the cell processes of the fibrocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
AQP1 in the ES may play an important role in absorbing water and regulate the balance of fluid and ion in the inner ear.
Lin
Lin
L
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China.
Zhang
Yan-Ping
YP
Sun
Jian-He
JH
Chang
Xin
X
Huang
De-Liang
DL
D000818:Animals; D051398:Aquaporin 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D004712:Endolymphatic Sac / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008854:Microscopy, Electron
C496021:Aqp1 protein, mouse; D051398:Aquaporin 1