Apoptosis in the hydropic cochlea of guinea pigs following immune reaction of the endolymphatic sac: immunohistochemical analysis.

Abstract

Apoptotic change in the cochlea was studied by immunohistochemistry after the injection of keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) into the right endolymphatic sac of guinea pigs. Apoptosis was examined with the specific antibody to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Endolymphatic hydrops became evident in the cochlea 1 day after the injection of KLH (n = 6). Increased ssDNA expression could be detected in the spiral ligament and the stria vascularis. The temporal bones in the control group did not show any ssDNA immunoreactivity (n = 6). Apoptosis is the process of the cell death. Our findings imply that apoptotic changes are involved in endolymphatic hydrops. These phenomena could lead to cochlear dysfunction as seen in endolymphatic hydrops.