The Expression Of Apoptosis And Apoptosis-related Proteins In Experimental Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease

If treated promptly, the devastating sequelae of AIED may be avoided. The precise disease mechanisms remains undefined, largely because of the fact that the human inner ear is not amenable to diagnostic biopsy. Because of the lack of well-defined detection methods to identify immune-mediated processes within the inner ear, there has been great interest in developing animal models. However, the previous models are insufficient in their reproducibility and detailed immunological analysis. The FasL-Fas cell-to-cell signalling system plays a crucial role in variety of biological processes, including development and tissue homeostasis, through the induction of apoptosis. The Bcl-2 protein is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis induced by a wide variety of stimuli. Apoptosis due to Fas-FasL interactions can be involved in resolution of inflammation and also in mediating damage to target tissue in autoimmune diseases.Objective1. This study was designed to establish an experimental autoimmune inner ear disease model in C57BL/6 mice, which could exhibit high reproducibility and be adopted for detailed immunological analysis. This model will be useful to further elucidate the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis and pathophysiology of AIED or immune reaction in the inner ear.2. This study was undertaken to determine the underlying mechanism of apoptotic change in the AIED, if apoptosis and its-related proteins Fas/FasL and Bcl-2 interactions might play a role in the induction and processes of AIED.Methods1. Extraction of guinea pig inner ear antigens (IEAg). The inbred mice received a single subcutaneous injection of diluted solution of pertussis and an emulsion containing equal parts of CFA and IEAg. No further immunizations were performed.2. The ABR threshold shifts were evaluated. The antibody level to IEAg in serum was detected by ELISA. The histologic results were examined with hematoxylin and eosin staining by light microscopy. Using immunohistochemical techniques to clarify the profile of lymphocytes in the infiltrated cells.