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Possible role of gap junction intercellular channels and connexin 43 in satellite glial cells (SGCs) for preservation of human spiral ganglion neurons |
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| Authors: | Wei Liu Rudolf Glueckert Fred H Linthicum Gunde Rieger Michael Blumer Mario Bitsche Elisabeth Pechriggl Helge Rask-Andersen Annelies Schrott-Fischer |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden 2. Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria 3. House Ear Institute Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 4. Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstrasse 59, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria 5. Department of Surgical Sciences, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden 6. Departments of Otolaryngology, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden |
| Abstract: | Human spiral ganglion (SG) neurons show remarkable survival properties and maintain electric excitability for a long time after complete deafness and even separation from the organ of Corti, features essential for cochlear implantation. Here, we analyze and compare the localization and distribution of gap junction (GJ) intercellular channels and connexin 43 (Cx43) in cells surrounding SG cell bodies in man and guinea pig by using transmission electron microscopy and confocal immunohistochemistry. GJs and Cx43 expression has been recognized in satellite glial cells (SGCs) in non-myelinating sensory ganglia including the human SG. In man, SG neurons can survive as mono-polar or “amputated” cells with unbroken central projections following dendrite degeneration and consolidation of the dendrite pole. Cx43-mediated GJ signaling between SGCs is believed to play a key role in this “healing” process and could explain the unique preservation of human SG neurons and the persistence of cochlear implant function. |
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