[Expression of aquaporin-1 in a guinea pig model of labyrinth destruction].

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of aquaporin-1(AQP-1) in the cochlea and endolymphatic sac in guinea pigs with labyrinth destruction.

METHODS

Chloroform was injected into the tympanum to establish the animal model of labyrinth destruction in guinea pigs, and two-step immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression of AQP-1 in the cochlea and endolymphatic sac at different time points.

RESULTS

AQP-1 expression was fluctuant in accordance with the morphological changes of the spiral ligament fibrocytes in the cochlea: destruction of the spiral ligament cells was followed by AQP-1 expression down-regulation, and AQP-1 up-regulation occurred with the cell regeneration. But no such changes were observed in the endolymphatic sac.

CONCLUSION

AQP-1 may take part in the maintenance of the structural stability of the spiral ligament.