Expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1, 2, 3, and 4 in mouse inner ear

Abstract

Conclusion. It is suggested that transient receptor potential vanilloids (TRPVs) may play a functional role in cell physiology and TRPV-4 and -2 may play an important part in fluid homeostasis in the inner ear. Objective. Expression of TRPV-1, -2, -3, and -4 in the normal mouse inner ear was studied. Materials and methods. CBA/J mice were used in this study. The localization of TRPV-1, -2, -3, and -4 in the inner ear, i.e. cochlea, vestibular end organs, and endolymphatic sac, was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results. TRPV-1, -2, and -3 were co-expressed in hair cells and supporting cells of the organ of Corti, in spiral ganglion cells, sensory cells in vestibular end organs, vestibular ganglion cells, and sensory nerve fibers. TRPV-2 was also detected in the stria vascularis, dark cells, and endolymphatic sac. TRPV-4 was expressed in hair cells and supporting cells of the organ of Corti, in marginal cells of the stria vascularis, spiral ganglion cells, vestibular sensory cells, vestibular dark cells, vestibular ganglion cells, and epithelial cells of the endolymphatic sac.