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Published on: November 26, 2015
Cochlear cytokine gene expression in murine chronic otitis media
Bobak A Ghaheri1, J Beth Kempton, De-Ann M Pillers
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Hearing Research Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. ghaherib@ohsu.edu
Summary
Chronic otitis media (COM) increases cochlear cytokine gene expression in mice. Inner ear tissues activate NF-kB and produce cytokines, potentially contributing to hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chronic otitis media (COM) is a common middle ear infection.
- The effects of COM on inner ear gene expression are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate COM's role in inducing cochlear cytokine gene expression.
- To determine if inner ear tissues mount an immune response to COM.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression arrays were used to analyze RNA from cochleas of mice with and without COM.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of specific cytokine proteins in cochlear tissues.
Main Results:
- COM induced significant changes in cochlear gene expression, with 29 genes upregulated and 19 downregulated.
- Upregulated genes included those related to inflammation and tissue remodeling.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of multiple cytokines and NF-kB in COM-affected cochleas.
Conclusions:
- COM elevates cochlear cytokine mRNA levels, indicating inner ear immune activation.
- Inner ear tissues can activate NF-kB and produce cytokines in response to COM.
- This cochlear response may contribute to hearing loss in COM patients.
