Detection and characterization of nitric oxide synthase in the mammalian cochlea

Modulation of the NO-cGMP pathway has no effect on olfactory responses in the Drosophila antenna

Olfaction is a crucial sensory modality in insects and is underpinned by odor-sensitive sensory neurons expressing odorant receptors that function in the dendrites as odorant-gated ion channels. Along with expression, trafficking, and receptor complexing, the regulation of odorant receptor function is paramount to ensure the extraordinary sensory abilities of insects. However, the full extent of regulation of sensory neuron activity remains to be elucidated. For instance, our understanding of the intracellular effectors that mediate signaling pathways within antennal cells is incomplete within the context of olfaction in vivo. Here, with the use of optical and electrophysiological techniques in live antennal tissue, we investigate whether nitric oxide signaling occurs in the sensory periphery of Drosophila. To answer this, we first query antennal transcriptomic datasets to demonstrate the presence of nitric oxide signaling machinery in antennal tissue. Next, by applying various modulators of the NO-cGMP pathway in open antennal preparations, we show that olfactory responses are unaffected by a wide panel of NO-cGMP pathway inhibitors and activators over short and long timescales. We further examine the action of cAMP and cGMP, cyclic nucleotides previously linked to olfactory processes as intracellular potentiators of receptor functioning, and find that both long-term and short-term applications or microinjections of cGMP have no effect on olfactory responses in vivo as measured by calcium imaging and single sensillum recording. The absence of the effect of cGMP is shown in contrast to cAMP, which elicits increased responses when perfused shortly before olfactory responses in OSNs. Taken together, the apparent absence of nitric oxide signaling in olfactory neurons indicates that this gaseous messenger may play no role as a regulator of olfactory transduction in insects, though may play other physiological roles at the sensory periphery of the antenna.

Neuronal Cytoglobin in the Auditory Brainstem of Rat and Mouse: Distribution, Cochlear Projection, and Nitric Oxide Production

Cytoglobin (Cygb), a hemoprotein of the globin family, is expressed in the supportive tissue cells of the fibroblast lineage and in distinct neuronal cell populations. The expression pattern and regulatory parameters of fibroblasts and related cells were studied in organs such as the kidney and liver in a variety of animal models. In contrast, knowledge about cytoglobin-expressing neurons is sparse. Only a few papers described the distribution in the brain as ubiquitous with a restricted number of neurons in focal regions. Although there is evidence for cytoglobin involvement in neuronal hypoxia tolerance, its presence in the auditory system was not studied despite high metabolism rates and oxygen demands of the cochlea and related brainstem centers. In a continuation of a previous study demonstrating Cygb-neurons in, inter alia, auditory regions of the mouse brain, we concentrated on the superior olivary complex (SOC) in the present study. We sought to investigate the distribution, projection pattern and neurochemistry of Cygb-neurons in the SOC. We conducted immunohistochemistry using a Cygb antibody and found that this brainstem region, functionally competent for bilateral hearing and providing cochlear hair cell innervation, contains a considerable number of Cygb-expressing neurons (averaging 2067 ± 211 making up 10 ±1% percent of total neuron number) in rats, and 514 ± 138 (6 ± 1%) in mice. They were observed in all regions of the SOC. Retrograde neuronal tract tracing with Fluorogold injected into the cochlea demonstrated that 1243 ± 100 (6 ± 1% of total neuron number in rat SOC)) were olivocochlear neurons. Approximately 56% of total Cygb neurons were retrogradely labelled, while the majority of olivocochlear neurons of both lateral and medial systems were Cygb-immunoreactive. We also conducted double immunofluorescence staining for Cygb and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), the enzyme responsible for nitric oxide production, and observed that cytoglobin in the SOC frequently co-localized with nNOS. Our findings suggest that cytoglobin plays an important physiologic role in the oxygen homeostasis of the peripheral and central auditory nervous system. Further studies, also including transgenic animal models, are required to shed more light on the function(s) of Cygb in neurons, in particular of the auditory system.

Nitric oxide protects against cochlear hair cell damage and noise-induced hearing loss through glucose metabolic reprogramming

Nitric oxide (NO) is critically involved in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, the role of NO in the pathogenesis of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is complex and remains controversial. Here we reported that treatment of CBA/J mice with l-arginine, a physiological precursor of NO, significantly reduced noise-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation in outer hair cells (OHCs), attenuated noise-induced loss of OHCs and NIHL consequently. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase exacerbated noise-induced loss of OHCs and aggravated NIHL. In HEI-OC1 cells, NO also showed substantial protection against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, NO increased S-nitrosylation of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and inhibited its activity, which thus diverted glucose metabolic flux from glycolysis into the pentose phosphate pathway to increase production of reducing equivalents (NADPH and GSH) and eventually prevented H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage. These findings open new avenues for protection of cochlear hair cells from oxidative stress and prevention of NIHL through NO modulation of PKM2 and glucose metabolism reprogramming.

Diverse identities and sites of action of cochlear neurotransmitters

Accurate encoding of acoustic stimuli requires temporally precise responses to sound integrated with cellular mechanisms that encode the complexity of stimuli over varying timescales and orders of magnitude of intensity. Sound in mammals is initially encoded in the cochlea, the peripheral hearing organ, which contains functionally specialized cells (including hair cells, afferent and efferent neurons, and a multitude of supporting cells) to allow faithful acoustic perception. To accomplish the demanding physiological requirements of hearing, the cochlea has developed synaptic arrangements that operate over different timescales, with varied strengths, and with the ability to adjust function in dynamic hearing conditions. Multiple neurotransmitters interact to support the precision and complexity of hearing. Here, we review the location of release, action, and function of neurotransmitters in the mammalian cochlea with an emphasis on recent work describing the complexity of signaling.

Nitric oxide regulates the firing rate of neuronal subtypes in the guinea pig ventral cochlear nucleus

The gaseous free radical, nitric oxide (NO) acts as a ubiquitous neuromodulator, contributing to synaptic plasticity in a complex way that can involve either long term potentiation or depression. It is produced by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) which is presynaptically expressed and also located postsynaptically in the membrane and cytoplasm of a subpopulation of each major neuronal type in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN). We have used iontophoresis in vivo to study the effect of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME (L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester) and the NO donors SIN-1 (3-Morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride) and SNOG (S-Nitrosoglutathione) on VCN units under urethane anaesthesia. Collectively, both donors produced increases and decreases in driven and spontaneous firing rates of some neurones. Inhibition of endogenous NO production with L-NAME evoked a consistent increase in driven firing rates in 18% of units without much effect on spontaneous rate. This reduction of gain produced by endogenous NO was mirrored when studying the effect of L-NAME on NMDA(N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid)-evoked excitation, with 30% of units showing enhanced NMDA-evoked excitation during L-NAME application (reduced NO levels). Approximately 25% of neurones contain nNOS and the NO produced can modulate the firing rate of the main principal cells: medium stellates (choppers), large stellates (onset responses) and bushy cells (primary-like responses). The main endogenous role of NO seems to be to partly suppress driven firing rates associated with NMDA channel activity but there is scope for it to increase neural gain if there were a pathological increase in its production following hearing loss.

Characterization of transgenic mouse lines for labeling type I and type II afferent neurons in the cochlea

The cochlea is innervated by type I and type II afferent neurons. Type I afferents are myelinated, larger diameter neurons that send a single dendrite to contact a single inner hair cell, whereas unmyelinated type II afferents are fewer in number and receive input from many outer hair cells. This strikingly differentiated innervation pattern strongly suggests specialized functions. Those functions could be investigated with specific genetic markers that enable labeling and manipulating each afferent class without significantly affecting the other. Here three mouse models were characterized and tested for specific labeling of either type I or type II cochlear afferents. Nos1CreER mice showed selective labeling of type I afferent fibers, Slc6a4-GFP mice labeled type II fibers with a slight preference for the apical cochlea, and Drd2-Cre mice selectively labeled type II afferent neurons nearer the cochlear base. In conjunction with the Th2A-CreER and CGRPα-EGFP lines described previously for labeling type II fibers, the mouse lines reported here comprise a promising toolkit for genetic manipulations of type I and type II cochlear afferent fibers.

Genetics of guanylyl cyclase pathways in the cochlea and their influence on hearing

Although hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit in Western societies, there are no successful pharmacological treatments for this disorder. Recent experiments have demonstrated that manipulation of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations can have both beneficial and harmful effects on hearing. In this review, we will examine the role of cGMP as a key second messenger involved in many aspects of cochlear function and discuss the known functions of downstream effectors of cGMP in sound processing. The nitric oxide-stimulated soluble guanylyl cyclase system (sGC) and the two natriuretic peptide-stimulated particulate GCs (pGCs) will be more extensively covered because they have been studied most thoroughly. The cochlear GC systems are attractive targets for medical interventions that improve hearing while simultaneously representing an under investigated source of sensorineural hearing loss.

Risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in adults using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: Population-based cohort study

PURPOSE

The objective of the study was to determine the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) associated with use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database including adult men who initiated a PDE5 inhibitor (n = 377,722) and 1,957,233 nonusers between 1998 and 2007. Periods of drug exposure were assessed on a weekly basis based on pharmacy billing records, assuming use of 1 dose per week (current use). Incident sudden SNHL was defined based on inpatient or outpatient visits with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 389.1x, 389.2x, or 388.2 plus ≥2 procedure codes for audiometric hearing testing within ±30 days of sudden SNHL diagnosis. We used age- and propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate the risk of sudden SNHL during periods of current or recent use compared with that of nonuse. We conducted sensitivity analyses by varying the assumed drug utilization frequency and sudden SNHL case definition.

RESULTS

We evaluated 1233 sudden SNHL cases, resulting in an incidence of 4.35, 5.58, and 2.38 per 10,000 person-years for current, recent, and nonuse of PDE5 inhibitors, respectively. Compared with nonuse, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.25 (1.01-1.55) for current use with a risk difference of 1.97 (1.12-2.82) per 10,000 person-years. For recent use, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.60 (1.33-1.94) and risk difference was 3.19 (2.24-4.14). Estimates were consistent across the sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of PDE5 inhibitors is associated with a small but significantly increased risk of sudden SNHL.

Nitric oxide levels in cochlear fluids of guinea pig

PURPOSE

To describe a technique to obtain guinea pigs cochlear fluids and measure nitric oxide (NO) concentration.

METHODS

Six guinea pigs were used and sacrificed. The cochlear fluids collected for measurement of NO, performed by chemiluminescence (NOA 280).

RESULTS

Through the chemiluminescence was possible to analyze the concentration of NO in cochlear fluids obtained. Average levels of nitric oxide from guinea pigs was 12.55 µM.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to obtain nitric oxide cochlear fluids, with this technique and nitric oxide concentration measure by chemiluminescence, a quantitative and more precise method.

Retrograde facilitation of efferent synapses on cochlear hair cells

Cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are temporarily innervated by efferent cholinergic fibers prior to the onset of hearing. During low-frequency firing, these efferent synapses have a relatively low probability of transmitter release but facilitate strongly with repetitive stimulation. A retrograde signal from the hair cell to the efferent terminal contributes to this facilitation. When IHCs were treated with the ryanodine receptor agonist, cyclic adenosine phosphoribose (cADPR), release probability of the efferent terminal rose. This effect was quantified by computing the quantum content from a train of 100 suprathreshold stimuli to the efferent fibers. Quantum content was sevenfold higher when IHCs were treated with 100 μM cADPR (applied in the recording pipette). Since cADPR is membrane impermeant, this result implies that an extracellular messenger travels from the hair cell to the efferent terminal. cADPR is presumed to generate this messenger by increasing cytoplasmic calcium. Consistent with this presumption, voltage-gated calcium flux into the IHC also caused retrograde facilitation of efferent transmission. Retrograde facilitation was observed in IHCs of a vesicular glutamate transporter (VGlut3) null mouse and for wild-type rat hair cells subject to wide-spectrum glutamate receptor blockade, demonstrating that glutamate was unlikely to be the extracellular messenger. Rather, bath application of nitric oxide (NO) donors caused an increase in potassium-evoked efferent transmitter release while the NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO was able to prevent retrograde facilitation produced by cADPR or IHC depolarization. Thus, hair cell activity can drive retrograde facilitation of efferent input via calcium-dependent production of NO.

Alterations in nitric oxide synthase in the aged CNS

Aging is associated with neuronal loss, gross weight reduction of the brain, and glial proliferation in the cortex, all of which lead to functional changes in the brain. It is known that oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of aging; additionally, growing evidence suggests that excessive nitric oxide (NO) production contributes to the aging process. However, it is still unclear how NO plays a role in the aging process. This paper describes age-related changes in the activity of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d), a marker for neurons containing nitric oxide synthase (NOS), in many CNS regions. Understanding these changes may provide a novel perspective in identifying the aging mechanism.

HGF-mediated inhibition of oxidative stress by 8-nitro-cGMP in high glucose-treated rat mesangial cells

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy. The mechanisms for the renoprotective effect of HGF have been studied extensively, but antioxidant signalling of HGF in diabetic nephropathy is minimally understood. Our observations indicated that a nitrated guanine nucleotide, 8-nitroguanosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-nitro-cGMP) diminished in high glucose (HG)-treated rat mesangial cells (RMC). However, HGF obviously lifted intracellular 8-nitro-cGMP level, which was accompanied by remarkably suppressed oxidative stress as evidenced by decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels and elevated glutathione level. Inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) NS-2028 and inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) l-NMMA could block increased 8-nitro-cGMP level and repress oxidative stress by HGF. Accordingly, these two inhibitors abrogated HGF-induced nuclear accumulation of NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and up-regulation of Nrf2 downstream glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) expression. In conclusion, HGF ameliorated HG-mediated oxidative stress in RMC at least in part by enhancing nitric oxide and subsequent 8-nitro-cGMP production.

Modulation of hair cell efferents

Outer hair cells (OHCs) amplify the sound-evoked motion of the basilar membrane to enhance acoustic sensitivity and frequency selectivity. Medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferents inhibit OHCs to reduce the sound-evoked response of cochlear afferent neurons. OHC inhibition occurs through the activation of postsynaptic α9α10 nicotinic receptors tightly coupled to calcium-dependent SK2 channels that hyperpolarize the hair cell. MOC neurons are cholinergic but a number of other neurotransmitters and neuromodulators have been proposed to participate in efferent transmission, with emerging evidence for both pre- and postsynaptic effects. Cochlear inhibition in vivo is maximized by repetitive activation of the efferents, reflecting facilitation and summation of transmitter release onto outer hair cells. This review summarizes recent studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of cholinergic inhibition and the regulation of those molecular components, in particular the involvement of intracellular calcium. Facilitation at the efferent synapse is compared in a variety of animals, as well as other possible mechanisms of modulation of ACh release. These results suggest that short-term plasticity contributes to effective cholinergic inhibition of hair cells.

Release and elementary mechanisms of nitric oxide in hair cells

The enzyme nitric oxide (NO) synthase, that produces the signaling molecule NO, has been identified in several cell types in the inner ear. However, it is unclear whether a measurable quantity of NO is released in the inner ear to confer specific functions. Indeed, the functional significance of NO and the elementary cellular mechanism thereof are most uncertain. Here, we demonstrate that the sensory epithelia of the frog saccule release NO and explore its release mechanisms by using self-referencing NO-selective electrodes. Additionally, we investigated the functional effects of NO on electrical properties of hair cells and determined their underlying cellular mechanism. We show detectable amounts of NO are released by hair cells (>50 nM). Furthermore, a hair-cell efferent modulator acetylcholine produces at least a threefold increase in NO release. NO not only attenuated the baseline membrane oscillations but it also increased the magnitude of current required to generate the characteristic membrane potential oscillations. This resulted in a rightward shift in the frequency-current relationship and altered the excitability of hair cells. Our data suggest that these effects ensue because NO reduces whole cell Ca(2+) current and drastically decreases the open probability of single-channel events of the L-type and non L-type Ca(2+) channels in hair cells, an effect that is mediated through direct nitrosylation of the channel and activation of protein kinase G. Finally, NO increases the magnitude of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) currents via direct NO nitrosylation. We conclude that NO-mediated inhibition serves as a component of efferent nerve modulation of hair cells.

Heme oxygenase-1 expression in the guinea pig cochlea induced by intense noise stimulation

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that noise induces free radical formation in the cochlea and that, in the guinea pig, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) may play an important role in the recovery from noise trauma in the organ of Corti.

OBJECTIVE

Free radicals are involved in noise-induced hearing loss. It has been demonstrated that the induction of HO-1 may protect cells exposed to oxidative challenge. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of intense noise exposure on HO-1 induction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 25 adult guinea pigs (body weight 200-300 g) with a normal Preyers's reflex were used as subjects. Based on preliminary tests, the appropriate intensities and durations of noise were determined that were adequate to induce apparent threshold shifts and lead to various recovery patterns to initial thresholds. The sound was routed through a power amplifier to a speaker, which was positioned directly over the animals in a sound chamber. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, Western blot analysis for HO-1, and immunohistochemical testing were done.

RESULTS

Exposure of the guinea pigs to 115 dB SPL octave band noise for 5 h induced HO-1 expression in the organ of Corti. In the organ of Corti, HO-1 expression increased mainly in the outer hair cells. Some expression of HO-1 was observed before and after noise exposure in the supporting cells. HO-1 expression in the organ of Corti was definitely increased in guinea pigs with an intense noise exposure which causes a temporary threshold shift.

Nitric oxide and mitochondrial status in noise-induced hearing loss

The study investigated the distribution of nitric oxide (NO) within isolated outer hair cells (OHCs) from the cochlea, its relationship to mitochondria and its modulation of mitochondrial function. Using two fluorescent dyes--4,5-diamino-fluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA), which detects NO, and tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM+), a mitochondrial membrane potential dye--it was found that a relatively greater amount of the DAF fluorescence in OHCs co-localized with mitochondria in comparison to DAF fluorescence in the cytosole. This study also observed reduced mitochondrial membrane potential of OHCs and increased DAF fluorescence following exposure of the cells to noise (120 dB SPL for 4 h) and to an exogenous NO donor, NOC-7 (>350 mm). Antibody label for nitrotyrosine was also increased, indicating NO-related formation of peroxynitrite in both mitochondria and the cytosol. The results suggest that NO may play an important physiological role in regulating OHC energy status and act as a potential agent in OHC pathology.

Age-related changes of NADPH-diaphorase-positive neurons in the rat inferior colliculus and auditory cortex

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implied in age-related changes of the central nervous system (CNS) and the central auditory pathway. The present study was conducted to investigate whether the number of NO-producing cells and their morphometric characteristics in the inferior colliculus (IC) and the auditory cortex (AC) are changed with the increasing age of the subjects. IC and AC sections of adult and senile Wistar rats were studied using the histochemical detection of NADPH-diaphorase activity (NADPH-d), a marker for neurons containing nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Our results showed a decreased area of the somas of NADPH-d-positive neurons in the dorsal cortex (DC) of the IC and a diffuse loss of NADPH-d-positive neurons in the senile IC and primary cortical auditory area (Te1). However, an increased number of NO-producing cells have been shown by other authors in different parts of the ageing auditory pathway and CNS. It seems that age-related changes in NADPH-d-positive cells may follow a region-specific route. These changes may be related to hearing impairments with increasing age.

The role of PKCzeta in amikacin-induced apoptosis in the cochlea: prevention by aspirin

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are ototoxic, inducing irreversible sensorineural hearing loss mediated by oxidative and excitotoxic stresses. The NF-kappaB pathway is involved in the response to aminoglycoside damage in the cochlea. However, the molecular mechanisms of this ototoxicity remain unclear. We investigated the expression of PKCzeta, a key regulator of NF-kappaB activation, in response to aminoglycoside treatment. Amikacin induced PKCzeta cleavage and nuclear translocation. These events were concomitant with chromatin condensation and paralleled the decrease in NF-kappaB (p65) levels in the nucleus. Amikacin also induced the nuclear translocation of apoptotic inducing factor (AIF). Prior treatment with aspirin prevented PKCzeta cleavage and nuclear translocation. Thus, aspirin counteracts the early effects of amikacin, thereby protecting hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. These results demonstrate that PKCzeta acts as sentinel connecting specific survival pathways to mediate cellular responses to amikacin ototoxicity.

Modulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ current in vestibular hair cells by nitric oxide

The structural elements of the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) signaling pathway have been described in the vestibular peripheral system. However, the functions of NO in the vestibular endorgans are still not clear. We evaluated the action of NO on the Ca(2+) currents in hair cells isolated from the semicircular canal crista ampullaris of the rat (P14-P18) by using the whole cell and perforated-cell patch-clamp technique. The NO donors 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and (+/-)-(E)-4-ethyl-2-[(Z)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexen-1-yl-nicotinamide (NOR-4) inhibited the Ca(2+) current in hair cells in a voltage-independent manner. The NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (CPTIO) prevented the inhibitory effect of SNP on the Ca(2+) current. The selective inhibitor of the soluble form of the enzyme guanylate cyclase (sGC), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), also decreased the SNP-induced inhibition of the Ca(2+) current. The membrane-permeant cGMP analogue 8-Br-cGMP mimicked the SNP effect. KT-5823, a specific inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PGK), prevented the inhibition of the Ca(2+) current by SNP and 8-Br-cGMP. In the presence of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a sulfhydryl alkylating agent that prevents the S-nitrosylation reaction, the SNP effect on the Ca(2+) current was significantly diminished. These results demonstrated that NO inhibits in a voltage-independent manner the voltage-activated Ca(2+) current in rat vestibular hair cells by the activation of a cGMP-signaling pathway and through a direct action on the channel protein by a S-nitrosylation reaction. The inhibition of the Ca(2+) current by NO may contribute to the regulation of the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and hair-cell synaptic transmission.

Nitric oxide in the amphibian (Ambystoma tigrinum) lateral line

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry was investigated in the axolotl (Ambystoma tigrinum) lateral line. Hair cells of neuromast organs of the head skin and neurons of the postotic ganglia showed a significant NADPH-d reaction. Multiunit recording of neuromast afferent activity was also performed. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) produced an initial slight excitation followed by a significant inhibition of the resting discharge of neuromast afferent neurons. In contrast N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) produced non-significant actions on the afferent neurons discharge. These findings suggest that afferent neurons and hair cells of the lateral line produce nitric oxide that plays an active role in the mechanisms sustaining basal spike discharge in afferent neurons.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase upregulation in the guinea pig organ of Corti after acute noise trauma

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) upregulation was identified 60 h after acute noise trauma in morphologically intact cells of the reticular lamina in the organ of Corti of the guinea pig in the second turn of the cochlea. Using gold-coupled anti-eNOS antibodies and electron microscopy, it was shown that eNOS expression was upregulated in all cell areas and cell types except inner hair cells. Furthermore, eNOS was found in the organelle-free cytoplasm and in mitochondria of various cell types. The density of eNOS in mitochondria was considerably higher compared with the surrounding cytoplasm. Since eNOS activity is regulated by calcium, the eNOS detection was combined with calcium precipitation, a method for visualizing intracellular Ca2+ distribution. After acute noise trauma, intracellular Ca2+ was increased in all cell types and cell areas except in outer hair cells. Comparing the distribution patterns of eNOS and calcium, significantly elevated levels (P < 0.0001) of eNOS were detected within a 100 nm radius near calcium precipitates in all cuticular structures as well as microtubule-rich regions and Deiters' cells near Hensen cells. The observed colocalization lends support to the postulated mechanism of eNOS activation by Ca2+. eNOS upregulation after acute noise trauma might therefore be part of an induced stress response. The eNOS upregulation in cell areas with numerous microtubule- and actin-rich structures is discussed with respect to possible cytoskeleton-dependent processes in eNOS regulation.

Aminoguanidine reduces cisplatin ototoxicity

Cisplatin is known to cause high-frequency neurosensory hearing loss. While reactive oxygen species have been shown to play a role, reactive nitrogen species have been implicated, but not proven to be involved, in cisplatin ototoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of nitric oxide (*NO) in cisplatin ototoxicity by administering aminoguanidine (AG), a relatively specific inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in conjunction with cisplatin. Rats were injected with cisplatin, AG, or both. Auditory brainstem evoked responses (ABR) were measured before and 3 days after cisplatin administration. The cochlear tissue was then assayed for *NO and malondialdehyde. Cisplatin alone caused significant ABR threshold shifts at all stimuli tested, whereas AG alone caused no shifts. There was a significant reduction in threshold shift for clicks and 16 kHz tone bursts (but not 32 kHz) when AG was given with cisplatin. The malondialdehyde concentration (but not the *NO concentration) in the AG/cisplatin group was significantly lower than that of the cisplatin group. This suggests that AG reduces cisplatin ototoxicity by directly scavenging hydroxyl radicals. The iNOS pathway may play a role in the generation of free radicals and hearing loss resulting from cisplatin administration, but this conclusion was not supported by our data.

C-type natriuretic peptide decreases soluble guanylate cyclase levels by activating the proteasome pathway

Natriuretic peptides (NP) activate particulate guanylate cyclase (pGC) and nitric oxide (NO) activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). Both guanylate cyclases catalyse the formation of the same second messenger, cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP), which activates the cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKG). PKG then starts a signalling cascade that mediates many cardiovascular and renal effects, such as smooth muscle relaxation and diuresis. Many cell types possess both sGC and pGC. Because both GC-cGMP systems play complementary roles, an interaction between the two pathways might represent an important physiological control mechanism. In this report we demonstrate an interaction between the two pathways. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) decreased the beta-subunit of sGC (sGC-beta) steady-state protein levels and enzymatic activity in cultured human mesangial cells (HMC) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This down-regulation was not dependent on changes in sGC-beta mRNA levels. Treatment of the cells with the stable cGMP analogue 8-Br-cGMP or the phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor Zaprinast produced the same down-regulatory effect. Inhibition of PKG or proteasome activity prevented the CNP-induced reduction of sGC-beta protein levels and activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that pGC activation induces a post-transductional down-regulation of sGC by a mechanism involving PKG and the proteasome pathway.

Upregulated iNOS and oxidative damage to the cochlear stria vascularis due to noise stress

Our previous work has revealed increased nitric oxide (NO) production in the cochlear perilymph following noise stress. However, it is not clear if the increase of NO is related to iNOS and whether NO-related oxidative stress can cause vascular tissue damage. In this study, iNOS immunoreactivity, NO production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lateral wall were examined in normal mice and compared with similar animals exposed to 120 dBA broadband noise, 3 h/day, for 2 consecutive days. In the normal animals, iNOS expression was not observed in the vascular endothelium of the stria vascularis and only weak iNOS immunoactivity was detected in the marginal cells. However, expression of iNOS in the wall of the blood vessels of stria vascularis and marginal cells was observed after loud sound stress (LSS). Relatively low levels of NO production and low ROS activity were detected in the stria vascularis in the unstimulated condition. In contrast, NO production was increased and ROS activity was elevated in the stria vascularis after LSS. These changes were attenuated by the iNOS inhibitor, GW 274150. To explore whether noise induces apoptotic processes in the stria vascularis, we examined morphological changes in endothelial- and marginal-cells. In vitro, annexin-V phosphatidylserine (PS) (to label and detect early evidence of apoptosis) was combined with propidium iodide (PI) (to probe plasma membrane integrity). PI alone was used in fixed tissues to detect later stage apoptotic cells by morphology of the nuclei. Following LSS, PS was expressed on cell surfaces of endothelial cells of blood vessels and marginal cells of the stria vascularis. Later stage apoptosis, characterized by irregular nuclei and condensation of nuclei, was also observed in these cells. The data indicate that increased iNOS expression and production of both NO and ROS following noise stress may lead to marginal cell pathology, and the dysfunction of cochlear microcirculation by inducing blood vessel wall damage.

The demonstration of nitric oxide in cochlear blood vessels in vivo and in vitro: the role of endothelial nitric oxide in venular permeability

The objectives of the current study were to investigate the distribution and production of NO in cochlear blood vessels, and to assess whether the inhibition of basal NO production leads to vascular protein leakage of the cochlear microvasculature. Using the fluorescent dye 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate, NO was detected, both in vitro and in vivo, in the endothelial cells of various cochlear blood vessels, including the spiral modiolar artery, the vessel of the basilar membrane and the vessels of the spiral osseous lamina. Vessel leakage was assessed using intravital fluorescence microscopy following systemic infusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine albumin. Local perfusion of the cochlear basal turn with either Ringer's solution or Ringer's containing an inactive nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (100 microM) produced minimal protein leakage. Perfusion with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 microM) produced significantly enhanced vascular protein leakage. The findings demonstrate the presence of endothelial NO in the cochlear blood vessels and suggest that NO protects cochlear venules against excessive vascular leakage.

Nitric oxide in the inner ear

During the past year significant advances have been made in our understanding of the functional significance of nitric oxide (NO) in the inner ear. NO synthase and the NO production site have now been localized using immunohistochemistry and a new fluorescence indicator for NO. The functional significance of NO in the inner ear, in particular as a neurotransmitter, is becoming increasingly clear. Increasing evidence suggests that excessive NO production may play an essential role in inner ear disorders. The production of an inducible form of NO synthase may be closely related to this phenomenon. Based on the mechanisms of inner ear disorders, new pharmacological strategies for preventing or treating inner ear disorders have been suggested.

The electrochemical and fluorescence detection of nitric oxide in the cochlea and its increase following loud sound

A nitric oxide (NO)-selective sensor (tip diameter 30 microm) was inserted into the perilymph of the basal turn of the guinea pig cochlea. The basal level and stimulation-induced changes of NO were measured. The mean (+/-S.E.M.) basal level of NO was 273+/-42.9 nM. Following perilymphatic perfusion of the artificial perilymph containing NO synthase (NOS) substrate L-arginine (100 microM) combined with cofactor (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin dihydrochloride (100 microM), a rapid and significant increase of NO to a mean concentration of 392+/-32.3 nM (P < 0.01, n = 10) was recorded. In contrast, a significant decrease of mean NO concentration to 180+/-32.7 nM (P < 0.01, n = 10) was observed following the perfusion of the NOS-inhibiting agent N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 microM). No change in the NO concentration was found following the perfusion of either artificial perilymph or N(G)-monomethyl-D-arginine (100 microM) solution employed as controls. Broadband noise exposure (3 h/day at 120 dBA SPL) for three consecutive days produced an increase in NO concentration to 618+/-60.7 nM (P < 0.05, n = 10) in the perilymph. In addition, by using specific dyes for NO, 4,5-diaminofluoresceine diacetate and for the reactive oxygen species (ROS), dihydrorhodamine 1,2,3, the distribution of NO in the whole mounts of the organ of Corti and the production of ROS in vivo in the organ of Corti were investigated in both control (n = 5) and noise-exposed (n = 5) animals. The more intense NO and ROS fluorescence was observed in both the inner and outer hair cells in the noise-exposed groups. It is proposed that both the basal level and the increase in NO concentration following the addition of substrate (L-arginine) are produced by the constitutive NOS while the elevated NO and ROS following noise exposure indicate that NO may be involved in noise-induced hearing loss.

Effects of nitric oxide on normal and ischemic cochlea of the guinea pig

To determine whether nitric oxide (NO)/peroxynitrite plays any role in neurodestruction observed in ischemic cochlea of the guinea pig, the effects of NO donors like S-nitrosocysteine (S-NC) and nitroglycerin (NTG), peroxynitrite generators like 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), peroxynitrite inhibitors like superoxide dismutase plus catalase (SOD/Cat), as well as NOS inhibitors like N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ether (L-NAME), were tested on normal and ischemic cochleae. Various concentrations of S-NC and SIN-1 were introduced into the perilymphatic space of normal guinea pig cochlea. Quantitative scanning electron microscopy of inner and outer hair cells was carried out 2 days later. To determine the level of NO in the cochlea after 20 to 120 min of ischemia, nitrites/nitrates in the perilymph were measured. The effects of NO on the ischemic cochlea were tested by infusion of SOD/Cat, L-NAME, S-NC, and NTG into the perilymphatic space just before decapitation. Introduction of fixative into the cochlea was delayed for 15 min to investigate the effects of the chemicals on nerve endings at the base of inner hair cells. The results showed that the level of nitrites/nitrates tended to decline with increasing time of ischemia. There was no significant hair cell loss in the cochleae treated with SIN-1 or S-NC. At 15 min after ischemia, most of the nerve endings at the base of the inner hair cells were protected from damage when 1 mM S-NC or NTG was infused into the perilymph. Taken together, the results indicate that NO/peroxynitrite is unlikely to be involved in the neurodestruction in the ischemic cochlea. In fact, exogenous NO may have a neural protective effect.

Nitric oxide distribution and production in the guinea pig cochlea

Production sites and distribution of nitric oxide (NO) were detected in cochlear lateral wall tissue, the organ of Corti and in isolated outer hair cells (OHCs) from the guinea pig using the fluorescent dye, 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate. Fluorescent signal, indicating the presence of NO, was found in the afferent nerves and their putative endings near inner hair cells (IHCs) and putative efferent nerve endings near OHCs, the IHCs and OHCs, the endothelial cells of blood vessels of the spiral ligament, the stria vascularis, and the spiral blood vessels of the basilar membrane. An increased NO signal was observed following exposure to the substrate for NO, L-arginine, while exposure to NO synthase inhibitors resulted in a decrease in NO signal. Observation of OHCs at the subcellular level revealed differentially strong fluorescent signals at the locations of cuticular plate, the subcuticular plate region, the infranuclear region, and the region adjacent to the lateral wall. The findings indicate the presence of NO in the cochlea and suggest that NO may play an important role in both regulating vascular tone and mediating neurotransmission in guinea pig cochlea.

Nitric oxide synthase localized in a subpopulation of vestibular efferents with NADPH diaphorase histochemistry and nitric oxide synthase immunohistochemistry

Efferent innervation of the vestibular labyrinth is known to be cholinergic. More recent studies have also demonstrated the presence of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide in this system. Nitric oxide is one of a new class of neurotransmitters, the gaseous transmitters. It acts as a second messenger and neurotransmitter in diverse physiological systems. We decided to investigate the anatomical distribution of the synthetic enzyme for nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), to clarify the role of nitric oxide in the vestibular periphery. NADPH diaphorase histochemical and NOS I immunohistochemical studies were done in the adult chinchilla and rat vestibular brainstem; diaphorase histochemistry was done in the chinchilla periphery. Retrograde tracing studies to verify the presence of NOS in brainstem efferent neurons were performed in young chinchillas. Our light microscopic results show that NOS I, as defined mainly by the presence of NADPH diaphorase, is present in a subpopulation of both brainstem efferent neurons and peripheral vestibular efferent boutons. Our ultrastructural results confirm these findings in the periphery. NADPH diaphorase is also present in a subpopulation of type I hair cells, suggesting that nitric oxide might be produced in and act locally upon these cells and other elements in the sensory epithelium. A hypothesis about how nitric oxide is produced in the vestibular periphery and how it may interact with other elements in the vestibular sensory apparatus is presented in the discussion.

Distribution and projections of nitric oxide synthase neurons in the rodent superior olivary complex

The superior olivary complex (SOC), a group of interrelated brainstem nuclei, sends efferents to a variety of neuronal structures including the cochlea and the inferior colliculus. The present review describes data obtained from rodents providing evidence that the gaseous, short-living neuroactive substance nitric oxide (NO) is produced in the SOC. The NO-synthesizing enzyme neuronal NO-synthase (nNOS) has been localized by means of several methods including histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Perikarya containing nNOS were found in several nuclei of the SOC. Their largest numbers and percentages of total cells were observed in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body. Stained terminals were observed mainly in the lateral superior olivary nucleus and in the superior paraolivary nucleus. While retrograde neuronal tracing identified a considerable number of nNOS-immunoreactive neurons as to be part of the olivo-cochlear pathway, the projection patterns of other nNOS-immunoreactive SOC cell groups remain to be investigated. We also review other putative sources of cochlear NO, and discuss the possible role of NO in the lower auditory brainstem and organ of Corti with regard to physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the guinea pig organ of Corti

The purpose of the investigation was to ascertain whether inoculation of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the cochlea of the guinea pig could elicit formation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Immunohistochemical study revealed that immunoreactivity to iNOS was seen below outer hair cells representing nerve fibers and synaptic nerve endings. iNOS-staining could also be observed in phalangeal dendrites of Deiter's cells pointing to the cuticular membrane, Hensen's cells and on stria vascularis 48 h after inoculation with LPS. Immunohistochemical investigation with a specific anti-nitrotyrosine antibody also revealed intense immunoreactivity identical to that of iNOS, suggesting formation of peroxynitrite in the organ of Corti by the reaction of NO with O(2)(-). On the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that NO together with O(2)(-), which form the more reactive peroxynitrite, are the most important pathogenic agents in LPS-induced damage of cochlea in the guinea pig.

Ototoxicity caused by aminoglycosides is ameliorated by melatonin without interfering with the antibiotic capacity of the drugs

The production of free radicals seems to be involved in the mechanisms of ototoxicity. Aminoglycosides produce ototoxicity, which can be determined through distortion product otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) that measure the activity of the outer hair cells of the organ of Corti. An ototoxic chart was obtained in rats using gentamicin or tobramycin. Together with this treatment, the animals ingested melatonin in the drinking water, or melatonin was injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The distortion product OAEs were determined over a prolonged period of time for each of the groups. The effect of melatonin on the antibiotic capacity of the aminoglycosides used was also studied. Antibiograms inoculated with Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa and treated with gentamicin or tobramycin in the presence or absence of melatonin at quantities from pharmacological to physiological doses were performed. The ototoxicity produced by gentamicin and tobramycin was maximal from days 3 to 5 post-treatment, returning to normal values in 2 wk. When melatonin was present, the recovery was at day 5 post-treatment, independently of the means of administration of the pineal product. The antibiograms showed that melatonin had no effect on the antibiotic capacity. It is concluded that the ototoxicity caused by gentamicin and tobramycin is ameliorated by melatonin and that the pineal hormone does not interfere with the antibiotic capacity of these antibiotics.

NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry reveals an autonomic-like innervation in the postnatal hamster cochlea

Previous studies used nicotinamide adenine diphosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase histochemistry as an indicator of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in the adult mammalian cochlea. In this study, we investigated the early postnatal expression of diaphorase activity in the hamster cochlea. Two types of extrinsic fibers were intensely labeled as early as postnatal day 3 (P3) in the portion of the cochlear nerve that innervates the base of the modiolus. By P10, these fibers had reached the spiral ganglion and were projecting toward the organ of Corti. The perivascular type of fiber did not project into the organ of Corti; however, the nonperivascular type could be traced among the supporting cells below the outer hair cells. Spiral ganglion cell somata were also labeled as early as P3. The onset of diaphorase expression in the spiral ganglion cells corresponds to a critical period of synaptogenesis for these sensorineural cells. If NADPH-diaphorase activity is an indicator of NOS, then our results suggest that NO may play a role during postnatal cochlear development.

Nitric oxide synthase in identified olivocochlear projection neurons in rat and guinea pig

Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to be involved in the effects of amino acids at the level of cochlear hair cell afferents. Recently, the isoform of the NO-producing enzyme, neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), has been demonstrated in neuronal structures of the cochlea in rats and guinea pigs histochemically and immunohistochemically. To investigate the sources of cochlear NO, we injected Fluoro-Gold (FG) into the cochlea of rats and guinea pigs. Upon terminal uptake of the tracer and neuronal transport we observed FG in terminals at the base of inner (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC) and in neurons of the spiral ganglion. Ganglion cells and terminals at the IHC were clearly nNOS-positive, while terminals at the OHC exhibited nNOS-immunoreactivity to a minor degree. The immunohistochemical investigation of the auditory brainstem showed that about one-fourth of the neurons of the superior olivary complex contained nNOS. The comparison with retrogradely labeled neurons showed that perikarya in the lateral superior olivary nucleus and, in particular, the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body were double-labeled. These results were similar in both, rat and guinea pig. Our data reveal that neurons of the superior olivary complex are likely to be additional sources of neuronal NOS in the cochlea.

Ototoxicity of sodium nitroprusside is not due to nitric oxide

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has been used as a donor for nitric oxide (NO) to study the effects of NO on the mammalian cochlea. In the present study, we set out to determine whether NO was the chemical responsible for the ototoxic effects seen after the application of SNP at the round window membrane of the adult guinea pig cochlea. In the first instance, NO released from S-nitrosocysteine, a compound not related to cyanide, has no toxic effect on the hair cells of the cochlea. Light-exposed SNP that could no longer produce NO, light-exposed SNP to which acetylcysteine (ATC) or hydroxycobalamin (HCL) was added to eliminate cyanide, and freshly prepared SNP to which ATC or HCL was added were also tested. Six groups of animals consisting of three animals in each group were used. The single chemical or combination of chemicals stated above was soaked in a piece of gelfoam that was then applied to the round window membrane of the animal under ketamine-xylasine anesthesia. The animals were reanesthetized 3 days later and perfused for scanning electron microscopy and hair cell quantitative analysis. The results showed that, in animals given S-nitrosocysteine, no hair cell loss was noted, while light-exposed SNP led to severe hair cell damage similar to that seen after the administration of fresh SNP. In animals treated with the mixture of light-exposed SNP and ATC or HCL, or fresh SNP with ATC or HCL, ototoxicity was significantly attenuated. These results have convincingly demonstrated that NO at a certain level is not destructive to auditory hair cells and the hair cell loss observed after SNP application is most likely due to the cyanide released from the SNP instead of NO.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS II) in the cochlea of guinea pigs after intratympanical endotoxin-treatment

Since NO is believed to be involved in cochlear physiology, presence of the constitutive isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and the target enzyme of NO, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in structures of the mammalian cochlea have been demonstrated. To date, no reports have been published regarding the detection of the inducible isoform (NOS II) in the cochlea. In order to show the capability of iNOS expression in cochlear tissue, a mixture of proinflammatory bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was injected into the tympanic cavity of guinea pigs, vs. saline-solution as control. Paraffin sections of LPS/TNF-alpha treated and saline-treated cochleae (6 h) were examined immunohistochemically with specific antibodies to neuronal, endothelial and inducible NOS and to sGC. Initiated expression of iNOS in the cochlea was observed in the wall of blood vessels of the spiral ligament (SL) and the modiolus, in supporting cells of the organ of Corti, in the limbus, in nerve fibers and in a part of the perikarya of the spiral ganglion after LPS/TNFalpha-treatment. iNOS was not detected in saline-treated control tissue. Expression of both constitutive NOS-isoforms (endothelial and neuronal NOS) and of sGC showed no significant differences in both experimental groups. Endothelial eNOS and neuronal bNOS were detected co-localized in ganglion cells, in nerve fibers, in cells of the SL and in supporting cells of the organ of Corti, but not in sensory cells. Strong labeling for bNOS became evident in the endosteum of the cochlea, while in the endothelium of blood vessels and in the epithelium of the limbus only eNOS could be labeled. sGC could be detected in SL, in supporting and sensory cells of the organ of Corti, in nerve fibers, ganglion cells, in the wall of blood vessels and in the limbus-epithelium. While small amounts of NO, generated by bNOS and eNOS, seem to support the cochlear blood flow and auditory function as well as neurotransmission, high amounts of iNOS-generated NO could have dysregulative and neurotoxic effects on the inner ear during bacterial and viral infections of the middle and inner ear.

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase-I in the guinea pig cochlea

Recent studies have begun to characterize the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP/protein kinase G pathway in the mammalian cochlea by demonstrating the presence of both the enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase, and the NO receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase. The present study investigated protein kinase G (cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase-I, cGK-I), the downstream enzyme of this pathway that frequently mediates its physiological effects. A commercial antibody to a human cGK-I sequence recognized a protein of appropriate molecular weight in Western blots of guinea pig aorta. Immunostaining of guinea pig aorta was consistent with the expected distribution of cGK-I. In lateral wall tissues of the cochlea, pericytes lining the blood vessels of the spiral ligament were strongly immunoreactive. In the organ of Corti, cGK-I was detected in Hensen's, Deiters', and pillar cells, but not in inner and outer hair cells. This distribution coincides with the localization of soluble guanylate cyclase activity and suggests that cGK-I mediates the effects of the NO/cyclic GMP pathway in the cochlea. It reinforces the hypothesis that the NO/cyclic GMP/cGK-I pathway is involved in regulation of cochlear blood flow and supporting cell physiology.

The production of free oxygen radicals and nitric oxide in the rat cochlea

Rat cochleas were analysed for free oxygen radicals (FOR) and nitric oxide (NO) production by the chemiluminescent oxidation of luminol. 4Beta-phorbol-12beta-myristate-13alpha-acetate (PMA), a well-known agonist of protein kinase C, induced the release of FOR after a time lag close to 30 s and reverted to basal values in approximately 10 min. Sphingosine inhibited by nearly 50% the response to PMA, whereas staurosporine caused an inhibition of 100%. The incubation of rat cochleas with 0.5 mM arginine potentiated the chemiluminescent reaction induced by PMA causing an additional oxidation of luminol that was inhibited by the NO synthase inhibitor N-methyl-arginine (NMA). Our results show for the first time the presence in the cochlea of cell populations producing FOR and NO and the real time production following cell activation. This procedure may help to explain the mechanisms involved in ototoxicity, as in the case of streptomycin and gentamicin that enhanced PMA-dependent production of FOR and NO.

The nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway: a potential major regulator of cochlear physiology

The nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) pathway is now recognized as a major regulatory system in cell physiology and tissue homeostasis. This pathway may control processes as diverse as muscle relaxation, gut peristalsis, neurotransmission and hormonal secretion. It is also involved in the development and function of sensory systems such as vision and olfaction. This review will detail the NO/cyclic GMP pathway, evaluate studies in the auditory system and discuss its potential participation in cochlear blood flow, supporting cell physiology and excitotoxicity.

Ototoxicity of sodium nitroprusside

Nitric oxide (NO) not only has normal physiological roles like vasodilation and neurotransmission in the living organism, it could also have possible neurodestructive effects under certain pathological conditions. The present study aimed to determine whether direct exposure of guinea pig cochlea to a NO donor like sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor like N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), would cause damage to the auditory hair cells. A piece of gelfoam was placed on the round window of the right ear of adult albino guinea pigs. It was then soaked with 0.1 ml of SNP (3.4 microM), 0.1 ml of L-NAME (9.3 microM or 18.5 microM) or 0.1 ml of injection water, the vehicle used to dissolve the above chemicals. Twelve animals receiving SNP were perfused 1 day, 2, 3 and 7 days later, with three animals being used for each survival period. Six animals receiving L-NAME were allowed to survive up to 7 days before perfusion. Eight animals receiving injection water or 0.45% saline were used as controls. With the scanning electron microscope, the inner and outer hair cells were counted over a 1 mm length of the basilar membrane in each turn of every cochlea. The results showed that, in animals treated with L-NAME at both concentrations stated, no significant loss of either inner or outer hair cells was noted in any part of the cochlea studied. However, as early as 1 day after SNP treatment, a striking loss of inner and outer hair cells was observed in the three lower turns of the cochlea. Damage to the outer hair cells was extended to the apical turn with increasing survival period, but no significant loss of inner hair cells was evident in the apical turn at any of the survival periods studied. To rule out the possibility that the effects were due to the presence of cyanide, a metabolite of SNP, hydroxycobalamin was introduced into the scala tympani of three animals through a cannula-osmotic pump device during SNP treatment. There was no significant difference in the results between the groups with and without hydroxycobalamin infusion 7 days after SNP treatment. The present study suggests that an excessive production of NO in the inner ear could lead to extensive loss of hair cells.

Electron microscopic localization of nitric oxide I synthase in the organ of Corti of the guinea pig

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity has been detected previously in the mammalian cochlea at a light microscopic level. Here we present results of electron microscopic analysis for post-embedding immunoreactivity of neural-type NOS I in the cochlea of the guinea pig. Strong enzyme immunoreactivity was identified in the cytoplasm of inner and outer hair cells. Gold-labeled NOS I antibodies were mainly located in electron-dense areas of the cytoplasm, whereas electron-lucent regions of the receptor cells were nearly free from any immunoreactivity. In both types of hair cells anti-NOS I antibodies were also visible in the cuticular plates, hair bundles and nuclei. Further ultrastructural analysis revealed that the submembranous cisternae of the outer hair cells were nearly free from any reaction product, demonstrating that the whole cytoplasm of this hair cell was not immunoreactive. Other NOS I immunoreactivity was identified in the cuticular plates of the inner and outer pillar cells and in the cytoskeletal elements located in the apical parts of Deiter cells, forming the lamina reticularis or in cytoskeletal-containing regions in basal Deiter cells. Anti-NOS antibodies were visible in the nuclei of various cell types. Our findings suggest that nitric oxide produced by NO I synthase in the organ of Corti may act as a modulator of hair cell physiology during the processes of signal transduction with frequency selectivity.

Localization of soluble guanylate cyclase activity in the guinea pig cochlea suggests involvement in regulation of blood flow and supporting cell physiology

Although the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway has many important roles in biology, studies of this system in the mammalian cochlea have focused on the first enzyme in the pathway, nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, characterization of the NO receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), is crucial to determine the cells targeted by NO and to develop rational hypotheses of the function of this pathway in auditory processing. In this study we characterized guinea pig cochlear sGC by determining its enzymatic activity and cellular localization. In cytosolic fractions of auditory nerve, lateral wall tissues, and cochlear neuroepithelium, addition of NO donors resulted in three- to 15-fold increases in cGMP formation. NO-stimulated sGC activity was not detected in particulate fractions. We also localized cochlear sGC activity through immunocytochemical detection of NO-stimulated cGMP. sGC activity was detected in Hensen's and Deiters' cells of the organ of Corti, as well as in vascular pericytes surrounding small capillaries in the lateral wall tissues and sensory neuroepithelium. sGC activity was not observed in sensory cells. Using NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry, NOS was localized to pillar cells and nerve fibers underlying hair cells. These results indicate that the NO/cGMP pathway may influence diverse elements of the auditory system, including cochlear blood flow and supporting cell physiology.

Endothelin-A receptors mediate vasoconstriction of capillaries in the spiral ligament

The purpose of this study was to determine whether endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-2 (ET-2) or endothelin-3 (ET-3) alter the vascular diameter of capillaries in the spiral ligament. Changes in vascular tone were measured in capillaries from the isolated spiral ligament in vitro. Capillaries were occluded on one end and opened on the other end. Red blood cells trapped in the capillaries served as markers for a luminal volume defined by the red cell itself, the capillary wall and the occluder. Movement of the red cell toward the open end was taken as evidence for vasoconstriction and movement of the red cell toward the occluder was taken as evidence for vasodilation. The inner diameter of the capillaries was 7.0 microm and decreased maximally by a factor of 0.8 in response to ET-1 and ET-2 (both 10(-8) M). Vasoconstriction induced by ET-1 and ET-2 was concentration-dependent in the range between 10(-12) and 10(-8) M whereas ET-3 (10(-8) M) had no effect. The EC50s for ET-1 and ET-2 were 1.2 x 10(-10) M and 1.4 x 10(-9) M, respectively. Thus, the potency order was ET-1 > ET-2 >> ET-3. Vasoconstriction induced by ET-1 and ET-2 was completely inhibited by the competitive antagonist 10(-6) M BQ-123 (cyclic D-Asp-L-Pro-D-Val-L-Leu-D-Trp). Vasoconstriction induced by ET-1 or ET-2 continued for more than 1 min after removal of agonist from the perfusate. Rapid vasodilation of capillaries preconstricted by ET-1 was observed in response to 10(-3) M sodium nitroprusside. Sodium nitroprusside, however, had no significant effect on the vascular diameter of resting capillaries. These results demonstrate that capillaries in the spiral ligament can constrict and the endothelin-mediated vasoconstriction occurs via ET(A) receptors.