[The orientation and its significance of water channel protein in the mouse inner ear].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the distribution of various subtypes of water channel protein (aquaporin, Aqp) in various structures of the mouse inner ear.

METHODS

Thirty mice with white color were used in this study and were cardiacally perfused. The temporal bones were taken out and were processed and sectioned by paraffin-embedded technique. The sections were labeled with fluorescent antibody by immunohistochemical method. The distribution of Aqp1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 were confirmed in the inner ear of mouse.

RESULTS

The constant and clear fluorescent reaction could be observed in the inner ear tissue with the first antibody concentration of 1:200 for Aqp-1 and 1:100 for Aqp-3, 7, 9. But the reaction of Aqp-4 and 5 could not be found with the concentration of 1:50, even 1:30. Aqp-1 was labeled in the round window membrane, spiral ligament, endolymphatic sac and duct, utricle and saccule and the wall of inner ear blood vessel; Aqp-3 in the spiral limb, vestibular lip, internal and external sulci, basilar membrane and basilar membrane crest, endolymphatic sac and duct, membranous semicircular canal and utricle and saccular macula; Aqp-7 in the stria vascularis, basilar membrane, Reissner's membrane, utricle and saccule and their maculae; Aqp-9 in the spiral limb, vestibular lip internal and external sulci, Reissner's membrane, membranous semicircular canal, saccule and its macula.

CONCLUSION

Aqp-1, 3, 7, 9 were extensively distributed in various tissues of mouse inner ear. Their distribution sites and reaction degree were different, and mainly located in the structures related to the endolymph.