Protein expression of pigment-epithelium-derived factor in rat cochlea |
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Authors: | Otto Gleich Ana Luisa Piña |
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Institution: | Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. otto.gleich@klinik.uni-regensburg.de |
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Abstract: | Pigment-epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a 50-kDa glycoprotein with well-recognised expression in various mammalian organs
showing diverse (e.g. anti-angiogenic and neuroprotective) activities. However, at present, no information is available regarding
the potential function of this cytokine in the inner ear. As a first approach to investigating whether PEDF is involved in
cochlear function, we have explored its protein expression in the rat cochlea by immunocytochemistry. Our results show that
PEDF expression in the cochlea is most prominent in the basilar membrane below the organ of Corti, in the lateral wall (especially
in the stria vascularis), in ganglion neurons, and in the endothelia of blood vessels. Our findings on its distribution in
the cochlea suggest that PEDF in the basilar membrane prevents blood vessel formation that would disturb cochlear micromechanics
and would interfere with the mechano-electrical transduction in the organ of Corti. In cochlear ganglion neurons, PEDF might
serve a neuroprotective function possibly protecting these neurons from excessive glutamate released by the inner hair cells.
Our data constitute the first report on the morphological protein distribution of this multifunctional molecule in the rat
cochlea and suggest its role in important functions of the internal ear.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users. |
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Keywords: | PEDF Organ of Corti Basilar membrane Cochlear ganglion neurons Glutamate Anti-angiogenic factors Organ development Rat |
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