The cochlear pericytes

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Xiaorui Shi, Oregon Health & Science University; Weijiu Han, Oregon Health & Science University; Hiroshi Yamamoto, Oregon Health & Science University; Wenxue Tang, Emory University; Xi Lin, Emory University; Ruijuan Xiu, Institute of Microcirculation; Dennis R. Trune, Oregon Health & Science University; Alfred L. Nuttall, Oregon Health & Science University
• Language: English
• Date: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Wiley: 12 months
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: Copyright © 1999-2019 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10739680802047445
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Microcirculation
• ISSN: 1073-9688
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 6
• Start Page: 515
• End Page: 529
• Grant/Funding Information: This research was supported by NIH/NIDCD Grants R03 DC 008888-02 and R01 DC 00105, DC005983.
• Keywords: Science & Technology; MICROVASCULAR PERICYTES; alpha-SMA; PDGF-B; Peripheral Vascular Disease; Cardiovascular System & Cardiology; CEREBRAL CAPILLARIES; connexin 40; RETINAL PERICYTES; desmin; tropomyosin; BLOOD-FLOW; CONNEXIN-43 EXPRESSION; Hematology; NG2; cochlear pericyte; RAT; GAP-JUNCTIONS; GUINEA-PIG COCHLEA; ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS; Life Sciences & Biomedicine
• Research Categories: Biology, Cell; Health Sciences, Audiology

Abstract

Objectives: Cochlear pericytes are not well characterized. The aim of this study was to further advance the characterization of cochlear pericyte location and distribution, with particular focus on pericyte-related proteins on the capillaries of the cochlear lateral wall that are functionally integral to structure, contraction, and gap junction transport. Materials and Methods: Cochlear pericytes were identified by the immunofluorescence labeling of pericyte marker proteins, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), desmin, Thy-1, tropomyosin, and NG2, and by morphological identification, using fluorescence, electron, and differential interference contrast microscopy. Results: Pericytes were predominately found in the capillary network of the cochlear lateral wall, with considerable morphological heterogeneity across different types of microvessels. For example, pericytes on the vessels of the spiral ligament (V/SL) strongly expressed a gap junction protein, connexin 40, and were positive for α-SMA, tropomyosin, and desmin. In contrast, pericytes on the vessels of the stria vascularis (V/SV) were positive for desmin, and were negative for α-SMA and tropomyosin. Conclusions: The capillary networks of the cochlear lateral wall comprise a rich population of pericytes. These pericytes are morphologically heterogeneous, with protein expression potentially indicative of function.