A study for regulation of inner ear fluid using molecular biology metod

梅尼埃病是一种病因不明的疾病。症状起源于迷路，通常表现为波动性耳聋、耳鸣和眩晕发作的三联征。通常，定义为内淋巴系统扩张的内淋巴积水是梅尼埃病的主要病理发现。虽然内淋巴积水的原因尚不清楚，但认为是由于内淋巴囊的吸收活性降低或内淋巴产生增加。然而，为了区分这些可能性，有必要阐明内耳液体调节的机制。有证据表明，抗利尿激素，加压素，可能参与调节内耳压力。C型利钠肽（CNP）及其受体-ANP-B受体-VIP及其受体也可能参与内耳的调节。此外，我们获得了新的数据表明，不仅水通道蛋白-1（AQP 1）mRNA，但也AQP 1蛋白在血管纹中表达。在大鼠内耳中发现水通道蛋白-2（aquapolin-2，AQP 2）受加压素调节。提示AQP 1和AQP 2在内耳液调节系统中起重要作用。事实上，加压素-2拮抗剂可减少豚鼠的内淋巴水肿。如前所述，内淋巴水肿的病因尚不清楚，然而，研究这些神经肽将有助于我们了解梅尼埃病的病因。

Meniere's disease is a disorder of unknown aetiology. Symptoms originate in the labyrinth and typically present as a triad of fluctuating deafness, tinnitus and episodes of vertigo. Frequently, endolymphatic hydrops, defined as a distension of the endolymphatic system, is a major pathological finding in Meniere's disease. While the cause of endolymphatic hydrops is not known, it is thought to be due to either a decreased absorptive activity of the endolymphatic sac, or to an increased production of endolymph. To differentiate between these possibilities, however, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of fluid regulation in the inner ear. Evidence suggests that the anti-diuretic hormone, vasopressin, may participate in the regulation of inner ear pressure. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its receptor-ANP-B receptor-, VIP, and its receptor, may also function in the regulation of inner ear. In addition, we obtained novel data showing that not just aquapolin-1(AQP1) mRNA but also AQP1 protein is expressed in the stria vascularis. And we find aquapolin-2(AQP2) regulated by vasopressin in the rat inner ear. These findings suggested that AQP1 and AQP2 play an important role in the regulation system of inner ear fluid. In fact, vasopressin-2 antagonist reduce endolymphatic hydrops in the guinea pigs. As we mentioned first, the cause of endolymphaitic hydrops is not clear, however, to investigate these neuro-peptides will lead us to know the etiology of Meniere's disease.