Expression of inducible nitric oxide-synthase in the vestibular system of hydropic guinea pigs

Neurosci Lett. 1999 Apr 2;264(1-3):145-8. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(99)00195-0.

Abstract

Immunohistochemical investigations of the guinea pig vestibular system, using a specific antibody to the inducible isoform of NO-synthase (iNOS/NOS II), have been performed 3 weeks after surgical closure of the right endolymphatic duct (n = 7). Endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) of the right temporal bone became evident by excavation of the Reissner's membrane in all seven animals. Those animals revealed iNOS-expression in ganglion cells, in the wall of blood vessels and in nerve fibers of the right vestibular system, while the corresponding left temporal bones and temporal bones of non-operated controls (n = 6) as well as of sham-operated animals (n = 3) did not show any iNOS-positive structures. iNOS-generated NO could be involved in the pathophysiology of vestibular dysfunction in Meniere's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / enzymology
  • Endolymphatic Hydrops / enzymology*
  • Endolymphatic Hydrops / pathology
  • Female
  • Ganglia / cytology
  • Ganglia / enzymology
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Nerve Fibers / enzymology
  • Neurons / enzymology
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • Reference Values
  • Temporal Bone / enzymology
  • Temporal Bone / pathology
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / blood supply
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / enzymology*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / innervation

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II