ISSN:
1434-4726
Keywords:
Key words Cochlear hair cells
;
Glutamate toxicity
;
Nitric oxide synthase
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the roles of glutamate (GLU) toxicity and involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of cochlear degeneration. We examined guinea pig cochleae following chronic exposure to GLU. Trypan blue extrusion and transmission electron microscopy were performed to evaluate degeneration in the organ of Corti. In parallel, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was demonstrated by histochemical staining of NADPH diapholase. GLU treatment caused time-dependent degeneration of outer hair cells (OHCs) in conjunction with a temporal increase of NOS activity in the organ of Corti. This suggests that GLU may be involved in OHC degeneration under toxic conditions, with NO production possibly playing a role in this process.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004050050156
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