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Vasopressin induces endolymphatic hydrops in mouse inner ear, as evaluated with repeated 9.4 T MRI
Eva Degerman1, René In 't Zandt2, Ann-Ki Pålbrink1
1Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Section for Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
From histopathological specimens, endolymphatic hydrops has been demonstrated in association with inner ear disorders. Recent studies have observed findings suggestive of hydrops using MRI in humans. Previous studies suggest that vasopressin may play a critical role in endolymph homeostasis and may be involved in the development of Ménière's disease. In this study we evaluate the effect of vasopressin administration in vivo in longitudinal studies using two mouse strains. High resolution MRI at 9.4 T in combination with intraperitoneally delivered Gadolinium contrast, was performed before and after chronic subcutaneous administration of vasopressin via mini-osmotic pumps in the same mouse. A development of endolymphatic hydrops over time could be demonstrated in C57BL6 mice (5 mice, 2 and 4 weeks of administration) as well as in CBA/J mice (4 mice, 2 weeks of administration; 6 mice, 3 and 4 weeks of administration). In most C57BL6 mice hydrops developed first after more than 2 weeks while CBA/J mice had an earlier response. These results may suggest an in vivo model for studying endolymphatic hydrops and corroborates the future use of MRI as a tool in the diagnosis and treatment of inner ear diseases, such as Ménière's disease. MRI may also be developed as a critical tool in evaluating inner ear homeostasis in genetically modified mice, to augment the understanding of human disease.
Insights
Vasopressin administration induced endolymphatic hydrops in mice, suggesting a role in Ménière's disease. This study establishes a new in vivo model for hydrops research and highlights MRI's diagnostic potential for inner ear disorders.
Area of Science:
- Oto-rhino-laryngology
- Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Endolymphatic hydrops is linked to inner ear disorders like Ménière's disease.
- Vasopressin is implicated in endolymph homeostasis and Ménière's disease development.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) shows promise for detecting hydrops in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effect of vasopressin administration on endolymphatic hydrops.
- To establish a novel mouse model for studying endolymphatic hydrops.
- To evaluate the utility of high-resolution MRI in assessing inner ear fluid balance.
Main Methods:
- Chronic subcutaneous vasopressin administration via mini-osmotic pumps in C57BL6 and CBA/J mice.
- High-resolution 9.4 T MRI with Gadolinium contrast before and after vasopressin treatment.
- Longitudinal assessment of endolymphatic hydrops development over 2-4 weeks.
Main Results:
- Endolymphatic hydrops developed in both mouse strains following vasopressin administration.
- C57BL6 mice showed hydrops after >2 weeks, while CBA/J mice responded earlier.
- MRI successfully visualized hydrops development over time in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Vasopressin administration can induce endolymphatic hydrops in mice, creating a valuable in vivo model.
- This model supports the role of vasopressin in endolymph homeostasis and Ménière's disease.
- High-resolution MRI is a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring inner ear diseases and evaluating inner ear homeostasis.
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