Article
Detection of members of the Glial Cell line-derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) family and their receptors on spiral ganglion cells from adult rats
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Published: | September 22, 2005 |
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One of the leading topics of inner ear research in recent years is the examination of neurotrophic factor effects on spiral ganglion cells (SGC). In several studies it was demonstrated that neurotrophic factors, e.g. GDNF, have trophic effects on spiral ganglion cells, especially following ototoxic drug induced hearing loss. Prevention of SGC degeneration is important because the number of spiral ganglion cells very likely affects the performance of cochlear implant technology. Therefore, the number of SGC has great clinical relevance. In the present study, we used indirect immunofluorescence to detect members of the GDNF-family (GDNF, Artemin, Persephin, Neurturin) and their receptors (GFRα 1 – 3, Ret) on spiral ganglion cells. Histological sections were used to examine the presence of these neurotrophic factors as well as their receptors. Antigen-specific antibodies (rabbit IgG, 1:40) and a FITC-conjugated secondary antibody (goat-anti-rabbit IgG, 1:50) were used to carry out immunofluorescence. Our results demonstrate not only the presence of GDNF, Artemin, Persephin, and Neurturin, but also their receptors GFRα 1 – 3 and Ret on spiral ganglion cells of normal hearing rats. These data indicate a biological relevance for the examined factors and their receptors for SGC maintenance already in hearing animals. In addition our results indicate that Artemin is an interesting candidate for future studies on potential protective effects on spiral ganglion cells following deafness.
Results were presented on the 76th German ENT meeting in Erfurt/Germany (08.05.05).