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Immunohistochemical localization of megalin and cubilin in the human inner ear

Seiji Hosokawa1, Kumiko Hosokawa1, Gail Ishiyama2

  • 1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, United States; Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan.

Brain Research
|September 16, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Megalin and cubilin receptors were found in the human inner ear, suggesting their role in drug transport and potential ototoxic damage. This research maps their location, aiding future therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Inner ear biology
  • Cellular biology
  • Ototoxicology

Background:

  • Megalin and cubilin are endocytic receptors involved in epithelial transport.
  • These receptors are implicated in gentamicin transport and potential inner ear damage.
  • Previous characterization was limited to animal models, not the human inner ear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To localize megalin and cubilin in the human inner ear.
  • To investigate the role of these receptors in the human inner ear.
  • To assess their potential involvement in ototoxic damage and drug delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry using affinity-purified antibodies.
  • Analysis of formalin-fixed frozen cryostat and celloidin-embedded human inner ear sections.
  • Localization in cochlea, macula utricle, cristae ampullaris, and endolymphatic duct.

Main Results:

  • Megalin and cubilin were localized in specific cells of the human cochlea, including stria vascularis and Reissner's membrane.
  • In vestibular organs, these receptors were found in transitional and dark cells, but not hair or supporting cells.
  • Localization was also observed in the epithelial cells of the endolymphatic duct.

Conclusions:

  • The human inner ear distribution of megalin and cubilin aligns with findings in animal models.
  • These receptors likely play a significant role in endocytic transport within the human inner ear.
  • Megalin and cubilin represent potential targets for preventing ototoxicity and for targeted medication delivery.
Keywords:
CochleaCubilinHuman inner earMegalinReissner’s membraneVestibular end organs

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