Ototoxic effect of potassium canrenoate on the guinea pig cochlea

Expression and localization of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11betaHSD) in the rat endolymphatic sac

CONCLUSIONS

11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11bHSD-2) enables aldosterone to bind to mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) selectively by converting cortisol (corticosterone) into inactive metabolites. Its expression in the endolymphatic sac (ES) suggests that aldosterone may selectively act on the ES through its binding to MRs by the action of 11betaHSD-2, and supports the notion that ES is an aldosterone target organ. We propose that 11betaHSD-2 is a dominant isoform of 11betaHSDs in the ES, and the ES (especially the intermediate portion of the ES) may be the main aldosterone target in the inner ear.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine 11bHSD isoform expression in the rat inner ear, mainly 11betaHSD-2 in the ES.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the ES and whole cochlea, 11betaHSDs were examined by RT-PCR using highly specific ES RNA by laser capture microdissection. In addition, 11betaHSD-2 localization in the rat ES was determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

RT-PCR demonstrated 11betaHSD-2 expressed in the rat ES. In addition, its localization was observed mainly in the intermediate portion and a faint immune positive signal was observed in other parts of the ES. In contrast, 11bHSD-1 was undetectable in the ES by RT-PCR. Both types of 11betaHSDs were expressed in rat cochlea.

Effect of intravenously applied canrenoate on ampullar endolymphatic potential

The effect of canrenoate, an aldosterone antagonist, on the ampullar endolymphatic potential (AEP) was examined to assess a possible role for aldosterone in the ampulla. Intravenous administration of canrenoate increased the AEP amplitude in a dose-dependent manner, with a significant reduction of the AEP negative component induced by anoxia. Pretreatment with aldosterone attenuated the AEP change produced by canrenoate. The results suggest that aldosterone may be involved in the modulation of ampullar function.

Effects of low-sodium, high-potassium dietary intake on cochlear lateral wall Na+,K(+)-ATPase

The effect of a low Na+, high K+ diet on Na+,K(+)-ATPase levels in cochlear lateral wall tissues was investigated in laboratory rats by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The low Na+, high K+ diet induced high aldosterone plasma levels in the animals as well as changes in plasma cation levels. Animals that received a low Na+, high K+ diet demonstrated a statistically significant (97%) increase in Na+,K(+)-ATPase levels in the stria vascularis when compared to animals that received a control diet. This increase in strial Na+,K(+)-ATPase levels was blocked only 70% by administration of the aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone. Findings therefore indicate that strial Na+,K(+)-ATPase may be modulated by both aldosterone and Na+,K+ plasma levels. Na+,K(+)-ATPase levels in the spiral ligament were not affected by the experimental treatment. These findings suggest that spiral ligament Na+,K(+)-ATPase levels may be regulated by factors other than aldosterone and Na+,K+ plasma levels. This study provides further insight into the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of salt restriction and potassium loading in patients with Méniére's disease.

11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the rat inner ear

11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) was demonstrated specifically in the spiral ligament of the cochlear membranous labyrinth by enzyme assay, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. Other cochlear regions and the vestibular membranous labyrinth were devoid of 11 beta-HSD. Spiral ligament 11 beta-HSD exerted predominantly an oxidative activity and was NADP specific, which is similar to 11 beta-HSD in most other tissues. 11 beta-HSD was colocalized with mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid steroid receptors in the spiral ligament. 11 beta-HSD may control steroid binding to these inner ear steroid receptors and, in addition, may regulate steroid receptor binding in the adjacent stria vascularis in paracrine fashion.