Na+Homeostasis in the Inner Ear

Abstract

homeostasis in the inner ear is important to maintain normal hearing and balance. transport in the inner ear is reported to be occurred in non-sensory epithelium of inner ear which forms a barrier between endolymphatic space and perilymphatic space. Functionally identified and constitutively active absorption sites in the inner ear are Reissner's membrane, outer sulcus cells, vestibular transitional cells, saccular nonsensory epithelial cells, and endolymphatic sac epithelial cells. transport in these epithelial cells is mediated by apically located epithelial channels (ENaC), nonselective cation channels and basolaterally located , -ATPase. absorption is increased by glucocorticoid through glucocorticoid receptor or ATP through purinergic receptors depending on cell types.