The cochlear pericytes.
OBJECTIVE
Cochlear pericytes are not well characterized. The aim of this study was to further advance the characterization of cochlear pericyte location and distribution, with particular focus on pericyte-related proteins on the capillaries of the cochlear lateral wall that are functionally integral to structure, contraction, and gap junction transport.


METHODS
Cochlear pericytes were identified by the immunofluorescence labeling of pericyte marker proteins, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), desmin, Thy-1, tropomyosin, and NG2, and by morphological identification, using fluorescence, electron, and differential interference contrast microscopy.


RESULTS
Pericytes were predominately found in the capillary network of the cochlear lateral wall, with considerable morphological heterogeneity across different types of microvessels. For example, pericytes on the vessels of the spiral ligament (V/SL) strongly expressed a gap junction protein, connexin 40, and were positive for alpha-SMA, tropomyosin, and desmin. In contrast, pericytes on the vessels of the stria vascularis (V/SV) were positive for desmin, and were negative for alpha-SMA and tropomyosin.


CONCLUSIONS
The capillary networks of the cochlear lateral wall comprise a rich population of pericytes. These pericytes are morphologically heterogeneous, with protein expression potentially indicative of function.
Shi
Xiaorui
X
Oregon Hearing Research Center (NRC04), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, USA. shix@ohsu.edu
Han
Weijiu
W
Yamamoto
Hiroshi
H
Tang
Wenxue
W
Lin
Xi
X
Xiu
Ruijuan
R
Trune
Dennis R
DR
Nuttall
Alfred L
AL
D000818:Animals; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002196:Capillaries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003051:Cochlea / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008297:Male; D020286:Pericytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation