Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

An Isolated Semi-intact Preparation of the Mouse Vestibular Sensory Epithelium for Electrophysiology and High-resolution Two-photon Microscopy
Published on: June 13, 2013
Localization of aquaporins in the mouse vestibular end organs
Masaya Takumida1, Hiroshi Takumida, Akinobu Kakigi
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan. masati@hiroshima-u.ac.jp
Conclusion:
We found that aquaporins (AQPs) in the fluid transporting cells, such as vestibular dark cells and endolymphatic sac epithelial cells, seem to be of importance in fluid transport in the inner ear, while those in the sensory and ganglion cells may play a functional role in sensory cell transduction.
Objective:
Expression of AQPs (0-12) was analyzed in normal mouse vestibular end organs.
Methods:
CBA/J mice were used in this study. Localization of AQPs 0-12 in the vestibular end organs and endolymphatic sac was investigated by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
The AQPs were found abundantly distributed in many structures in the vestibular end organs, i.e. vestibular sensory and supporting cells, vestibular dark cells, vestibular ganglion cells, and the endolymphatic sac.
Related Concept Videos
The Vestibular System
Equilibrium and Balance
Aquaporins
Anatomy of the Ear

