Delayed shortening and shrinkage of cochlear outer hair cells

Motile responses of cochlear outer hair cells stimulated with an alternating electrical field

The goal of the present study was to evaluate and characterize the motile responses of guinea pig OHCs, stimulated at frequencies varying from 50 Hz to 4 kHz, using high-definition, high-speed video recording and fully automatic image analysis software. Cells stimulated in continuous, burst and sweeping modes with an external alternating electrical field showed robust fast and slow motility, which were dependent on frequency, mode and intensity of stimulation. In response to continuous stimulation, electromotile amplitude ranged from 0.3% to 3.2% of total cell length, whereas cell length usually decreased in amounts varying from 0.1% to 4.3%. Electromotile amplitude in OHCs stimulated with square wave's sweeps was near constant up to 200 Hz, progressively decreased between 200 Hz and 2 kHz, and then remained constant up to 4 kHz. In continuous and burst modes electromotility followed cycle-by-cycle the electrical stimulus, but it required 1-2 s to fully develop and reach maximal amplitude. Instead, slow cell length changes started about 0.6 s after the beginning and continuously developed up to 3 s after the end of electrical stimulation. Incubation of OHCs with 10 mM salicylate affected electromotility but not slow motility, whereas incubation with 3 mM gadolinium affected both. Thus, combination of external electrical stimulation, high-speed video recording and advanced image analysis software provides information about OHC motile responses at acoustic frequencies with an unprecedented detail, opening new areas of research in the field of OHC mechanics.

An anion antiporter model of prestin, the outer hair cell motor protein

Cochlear amplification in mammalian hearing relies on an active mechanical feedback process generated by outer hair cells, driven by a protein, prestin (SLC26A5), in the lateral membrane. We have used kinetic models to understand the mechanism by which prestin might function. We show that the two previous hypotheses of prestin, which assume prestin cannot operate as a transporter, are insufficient to explain previously published data. We propose an alternative model of prestin as an electrogenic anion exchanger, exchanging one Cl(-) ion for one divalent or two monovalent anions. This model can reproduce the key aspects of previous experimental observations. The experimentally observed charge movements are produced by the translocation of one Cl(-) ion combined with intrinsic positively charged residues, while the transport of the counteranion is electroneutral. We tested the model with measurements of the Cl(-) dependence of charge movement, using SO(4)(2-) to replace Cl(-). The data was compatible with the predictions of the model, suggesting that prestin does indeed function as a transporter.

Slow motility in hair cells of the frog amphibian papilla: Ca2+-dependent shape changes

We investigated the process of slow motility in non-mammalian auditory hair cells by recording the time course of shape change in hair cells of the frog amphibian papilla. The tall hair cells in the rostral segment of this organ, reported to be the sole recipients of efferent innervation, were found to shorten in response to an increase in the concentration of the intracellular free calcium. These shortenings are composed of two partially-overlapping phases: an initial rapid iso-volumetric contraction, followed by a slower length decrease accompanied with swelling. It is possible to unmask the iso-volumetric contraction by delaying the cell swelling with the help of K+ or Cl- channel inhibitors, quinine or furosemide. Furthermore, it appears that the longitudinal contraction in these cells is Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent: in the presence of W-7, a calmodulin inhibitor, only a slow, swelling phase could be observed. These findings suggest that amphibian rostral AP hair cells resemble their mammalian counterparts in expressing both a Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent contractile structure and an "osmotic" mechanism capable of mediating length change in response to extracellular stimuli. Such a mechanism might be utilized by the efferent neurotransmitters for adaptive modulation of mechano-electrical transduction, sensitivity enhancement, frequency selectivity, and protection against over-stimulation.

The significance of the calcium signal in the outer hair cells and its possible role in tinnitus of cochlear origin

Finely tuned changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration modulate a variety of cellular functions in eukaryotic cells. The cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration is also tightly controlled in the outer hair cells (OHCs), the highly specialized receptor and effector cells in the mammalian auditory epithelium, which are responsible for high sensitivity and sharp frequency discrimination in hearing. OHCs possess a complex system of transporters, pumps, exchangers, channels and binding proteins to develop and to halt the regulatory Ca(2+) signal. The crucial role of elevated intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in OHCs is to increase the efficacy of the electromechanical (electromotile) feedback via remodeling of the cortical cytoskeleton. Anomalies in the Ca(2+) signaling pathway may lead to hypersensitivity of the cochlear amplifier and subsequently trigger tinnitus of cochlear origin. This review describes the dynamics of Ca(2+) signaling in the OHCs and a model that may convey a putative mechanism of development of subjective idiopathic cochlear tinnitus.

Distinguishing cochlear pathophysiology in 4-aminopyridine and furosemide treated ears using a nonlinear systems identification technique

To test the adequacy of physiologic indices derived from a third-order polynomial model quantifying cochlear mechano-electric transduction (MET), 24 Mongolian gerbils were exposed to either 250-mM glucose (control), 150-mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), or 30-mM furosemide solutions applied to the round window (RW) membrane. The cochlear microphonic (CM) was recorded from the RW in response to 68- and 88-dB SPL Gaussian noise. A nonlinear systems identification technique (NLID) provided the frequency-domain parameters and physiologic indices of the polynomial model of MET. The control group showed no change in both compound action potential (CAP) thresholds and CM. Exposure to 4-AP and furosemide resulted in a similar elevation in CAP thresholds and a reduction in CM. However, the polynomial model of MET showed different changes. The operating point, slope, and symmetry of the MET function, the polynomial model parameters, and related nonlinear coherences differed between the experimental groups. It is concluded that the NLID technique is sensitive and specific to alterations in the cochlear physiology.

mRNA expression of kidney-specific ClC-K1 chloride channel in single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of outer hair cells of rat cochlea

Outer hair cells (OHCs) of cochlea have been suggested to have Cl(-) channels sensitive to an ototoxic diuretic, furosemide. We therefore examined whether kidney-specific chloride channels (ClC-K1 and ClC-K2) and ClC-5 are also expressed in OHCs of rat cochlea, assuming that these channels might be the targets of oto-nephrotoxic drugs, by single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Single-cell RT-PCR revealed the presence of transcripts of ClC-K1 in OHCs which was verified by DNA sequencing, while ClC-K2 and ClC-5 were not detected. The possible roles of ClC-K1 in OHCs are discussed.

Simultaneous monitoring of slow cell motility and calcium signals of the guinea pig outer hair cells

'Slow' motility (shape changes over seconds to minutes) of the mammalian cochlear outer hair cell (OHC) could play a protection role from intense sound pressure and is associated with elevation of the cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). In the present work, a new approach was elaborated using fluorescent imaging for continuous monitoring of both [Ca(2+)](i) changes and slow motility of OHCs employing the Ca(2+) fluorescent indicator Fura-2. Whole OHC fluorescence and that of cell segments were analyzed to discriminate between fluorescence changes caused by [Ca(2+)](i) rise and those related to change of the cell shape. The reliability of the method was examined by simultaneous monitoring of [Ca(2+)](i) and OHC length changes induced by change of buffer osmolarity or by increase of KCl concentration. The method revealed that the time course of [Ca(2+)](i) increase and rate of cell shortening often do not coincide. It was also observed that [Ca(2+)](i) increased in 70 mM KCl more slowly than the rate of KCl delivery to OHCs. The comparison of the time courses of [Ca(2+)](i) elevation, induced by increase of K(+)/Na(+) ratio and by substitution of Na(+) with N-methyl-D-glucamine(+), indicated that the relatively slow kinetics of [Ca(2+)](i) increase in the OHC is partially attributed to regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis by the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger.

Molecular characterization of anion exchangers in the cochlea

Anion exchange proteins (AE) in the inner ear have been the focus of attention for some time. They have been suggested to play a role as anion exchangers for the regulation of endolymphatic pH or as anion exchangers and anchor proteins for the maintenance of the shape and turgor of outer hair cells, and they also have been discussed as a candidate protein for motile hair cell responses that follow high-frequency stimulation. The existence of anion exchangers in hair cells and the specific isoforms which are expressed in hair cells and the organ of Corti is controversial. Using a polyclonal antibody to AE1 (AB 1992, Chemicon), we immunoprecipitated a 100 kDa AE polypeptide in isolated outer hair cells which, due to its glycosylation, is comprised of AE2 than AE1 isoforms. We confirmed AE2 expression in outer hair cells with the help of subtype-specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to AE, AE subtype-specific primers and AE subtype-specific cDNA and found glycosylated truncated as well as full-length AE2 isoforms. No AE1 or AE3 subtypes were noted in outer hair cells. In contrast, AE2 and AE3 but not AE1 subtypes were seen in supporting cells of the organ of Corti. Their expression preceded the development of cochlear function, coincident with the establishment of the endocochlear potential and the differentiation of supporting cells. While most developmental processes in the inner ear usually begin in the basal cochlear turn, the AE2 expression in outer hair cells (but not that of AE2 and AE3 in supporting cells) progressed from the apical to the basal cochlear turn, reminiscent of the maturation of frequency-dependency. Irrespective of their presumed individual role as either anion exchanger, anchor protein or motility protein, the differential expression and developmental profile of these proteins suggest a most important role of anion exchange proteins in the development of normal hearing. These findings may also provide novel insights into AE function in general.

Single-cell RT-PCR demonstrates expression of voltage-dependent chloride channels (ClC-1, ClC-2 and ClC-3) in outer hair cells of rat cochlea

We investigated whether voltage-dependent chloride channels (ClC-1, ClC-2 and ClC-3) are expressed in outer hair cells (OHCs) of rat cochlea using a single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. The OHCs were isolated from rat cochlea and the cytoplasm of each OHC was suctioned into a glass pipette containing RT-PCR reaction buffer with RNase inhibitor. RT-PCR revealed the presence of transcripts of ClC-1, ClC-2 and ClC-3, which were verified by DNA sequencing. The possible roles of these chloride channels in OHCs are discussed.

Effects of protein kinase and phosphatase inhibitors on slow shortening of guinea pig cochlear outer hair cells

The intracellular mechanisms of slow shortening in isolated guinea pig cochlear outer hair cells were investigated using inhibitors and/or an activator of protein kinases and protein phosphatases. The slow shortening was induced by tetanic electrical field stimulation, and changes in the cell length, volume and intracellular Cl- concentration were microscopically monitored using a chloride-sensitive fluorescent dye. The slow shortening was inhibited by a calmodulin inhibitor, W-7, and a calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor, KN-62. The inhibition by W-7 or KN-62, was abolished by the supplemented conductance of K+ with valinomycin. Among the protein phosphatase inhibitors tested, a type 1 and 2A protein phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A, inhibited the slow shortening. The inhibition by calyculin A was abolished by the increased Cl- permeability, but neither by the increased K+ conductance with valinomycin nor by the increased Ca2+ conductance with A23187. A protein serine/threonine phosphatase activator, N-acetylsphingosine, inhibited the shortening, which was abolished by either valinomycin or a type 2A protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, but not by calyculin A. These findings suggest the following signaling mechanisms in the slow shortening of outer hair cells; the K+ channel opening is facilitated through protein phosphorylation by CaMKII and suppressed via okadaic acid-sensitive dephosphorylation, and the Cl- channel opening depends on calyculin A-sensitive protein phosphatase activity.

Adrenergic receptor-mediated Cl- transport in rabbit corneal endothelial cells

Adrenoceptor-mediated Cl- transport in cultured rabbit corneal endothelium was examined using a Cl(-)-sensitive fluorescent dye. The intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) in the endothelial cells was estimated to be about 30 mM. Noradrenaline (0.001-0.1 mM) transiently decreased the [Cl-]i in a dose-dependent manner. Such a decrease in [Cl-]i was completely antagonized by pretreatment with the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine (0.1 mM). The selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist UK 14304-18 (5-bromo-6-[(4H,5H-imidazol-2-yl)amino]quinoxaline, 0.1 mM) persistently decreased the [Cl-]i, but neither the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (0.1 mM) nor the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol (0.1 mM) had any effect. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist/antagonist yohimbine (0.1 mM) persistently and more strongly decreased the [Cl-]i than UK 14304-18 did. The yohimbine-induced decrease in the [Cl-]i was not further altered by UK 14304-18 or phenylephrine, but partly reversed by noradrenaline, isoproterenol and an adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin (0.1 mM). The yohimbine-induced decrease in [Cl-]i was inhibited by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide (1 mM), and Cl-/HCO3- exchange inhibitors, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, but not by the H(+)-ATPase inhibitor N,N'-dicylohexylcarbodiimide. The forskolin-induced recovery in [Cl-]i was inhibited by the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransport inhibitor bumetanide (0.1 mM), but not by the Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)