Localization of prostanoid receptors in the mouse inner ear.
CONCLUSIONS
EP4, EP2, and IP prostanoid receptors exert an otoprotective function and FP may be important for fluid homeostasis in the inner ear.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of prostanoid receptors in the normal mouse inner ear.


METHODS
CBA/J mice were used in this study. The localization of prostanoid receptors, i.e. DP, EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4, FP, IP, and TP, in the inner ear, i.e. the cochlea, vestibular end organs, endolymphatic sac, was studied by immunohistochemical techniques.


RESULTS
The EP4, IP, and FP prostanoid receptors were found to be abundantly distributed in many inner ear structures, i.e. stria vascularis, inner and outer hair cells, spiral ganglion cells, vestibular sensory and ganglion cells, and the endolymphatic sac. EP2 and EP3 are also localized in the inner ear whereas DP, EP1, and TP are only weakly expressed.
Department of Otolaryngology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan. masati@hiroshima-u.ac.jp
Masaya
M
Takumida
Matti
M
Anniko
D000818:Animals; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000378:metabolism*; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values
D007527:Isoenzymes; D011982:Receptors, Prostaglandin; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2