ASPECTS OF INNER EAR IMMUNOLOGY

这个项目的目的是回答关于内在的基本问题

It is the purpose of this project to answer basic questions regarding inner ear immunity: 1) Is the inner ear an immunopriviledged site; that is, does it operate under the influence of effective afferent and efferent limbs of the immune response? 2) Is the inner ear susceptible to the effects of immune complexes? 3) Can specific antibody raised against cochlear antigens be demonstrated to gain access to the inner ear and possibly affect its function? 4) Do patients suffering from sensorineural hearing losses or vertigo demonstrate a humoral or cell mediated immune response directed against the inner ear? Through primary KLH sensitizations and rechallenges of the perilymphatic compartment, endolymphatic sac and CSF, and by utilizing a sensitive radioimmunoassay for the detection of anti-KLH antibodies the magnitude of the inner ear's immune response will be determined. Also, through the use of electro-cochleography, the physiological effects of immune reactions will be monitored. Light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy will provide histological evidence of injury due to humoral or cell mediated responses. T and B cell adoptive transfer experiments will then be employed to further identify the cellular componente responsible for the observed response. Lastly, patients with wensorineural hearing loss or vertigo will be studied for the presence of anticochlear antibodies or lymphocyte blastogenesis to chochlear antigen during their clinical course.