Expression of mRNAs Encoding Hormone Receptors in the Endolymphatic Sac of the Rat

Abstract

The endolymphatic sac (ES) is believed to absorb the endolymphatic fluid produced by the stria vascularis and vestibular dark cells. Recent studies have implied that the function of the ES may be controlled by circulating hormones, suggesting that hormone receptors should exist there. In the present study, the expression of genes encoding receptors for aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and vasopressin in the ES was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Next, the cellular localization of the expression of these genes was investigated by in situ hybridization. RT-PCR indicated that aldosterone, ANP-A and vasopressin V1a receptor genes were expressed in the ES. In contrast, neither ANP-B nor vasopressin V2 receptor gene expression was detected. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated aldosterone receptor gene expression in epithelial cells of the intermediate potion of the ES, while expression of ANP-A or V1a receptor genes was not detected. The present results suggested that aldosterone may play a specific role in the function of the ES. However, we could not conclude that ANP and vasopressin play physiological roles in the ES because receptors for these hormones were detected only by highly sensitive PCR.