Related Experiment Videos
Antigen diffusion from the perilymphatic space of the cochlea
S W Yeo1, S Gottschlich, J P Harris
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093-0666, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injected into the cochlea reaches the endolymphatic sac, suggesting antigens can access the immune system. HRP clears from the inner ear within 72 hours.
Area of Science:
- Oto-immunology
- Inner ear physiology
- Immune system interaction
Background:
- The endolymphatic sac plays a crucial role in inner ear homeostasis and immune surveillance.
- Understanding antigen transport within the cochlea is vital for developing targeted therapies for inner ear diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diffusion of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) from the scala tympani to the endolymphatic sac in guinea pigs.
- To determine if antigens introduced into the cochlea can reach the endolymphatic sac for potential immune system presentation.
Main Methods:
- Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was injected into the scala tympani of the cochlear basal turn in guinea pigs.
- The distribution of HRP reaction product was analyzed at 2 and 72 hours post-injection using microscopy.
Main Results:
- HRP distributed throughout the cochlea within 2 hours, concentrating in the spiral ligament, spiral limbus, basilar membrane, and organ of Corti.
- HRP was detected in the endolymphatic sac lumen, epithelial cells, subepithelial tissue, and perisaccular connective tissue by 2 hours.
- Macrophages within the endolymphatic sac lumen showed phagocytosis of HRP; the inner ear was cleared by 72 hours.
Conclusions:
- Antigen introduced into the scala tympani can access the endolymphatic sac lumen, potentially engaging the systemic immune system via macrophages.
- Antigen likely reaches the endolymphatic sac through perilymph and perisaccular tissues, not directly into the cochlear endolymphatic space.