| 1. |
- Engmér, Cecilia, et al.
(författare)
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Immunodefense of the round window
- 2008
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Ingår i: The Laryngoscope. - Philadelphia : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0023-852X .- 1531-4995. ; 118:6, s. 1057-62
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A systematic analysis using serial sectioning of the round window membrane (RWM) in the cynomolgus monkey was performed. Light and transmission electron microscopy (LM and TEM) revealed that the RWM rim may be endowed with gland-like structures with glyco-protein material secernated into the window niche. This was detected in one third of the specimens. The secreted material displayed waste material and scavenger cells. There was also a rich network of capillaries, lymph channels, and sinusoidal veins containing leukocytes. Their abluminal surfaces displayed mature plasma cells and monocytes. These findings suggest that in certain primates the middle ear may have developed specific immunoprotective means for disposal of foreign and noxious substances before they reach the inner ear.
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| 2. |
- Hanner, Per, 1948, et al.
(författare)
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Antisecretory factor-inducing therapy improves the clinical outcome in patients with Meniere's disease
- 2010
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Ingår i: Acta Oto-Laryngologica. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0001-6489 .- 1651-2251. ; 130:2, s. 223-227
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Conclusion: Intake of antisecretory factor (AF)-inducing SPC-flakes (R) significantly reduced vertigo in patients suffering from Meniere's disease (MD). The positive effect may be due to a modulation of the transport of water and ions in the endolymphatic space. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a 3-month treatment period with SPC-flakes (R) in patients suffering from MD. Patients and methods: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. A total of 51 adult patients with MD were included in the study: 27 subjects treated with SPC-flakes (R) and 24 subjects with control cereals. The patients received SPC-flakes (R) or control cereals (I g per kg body weight per 24 h in two servings) for 3 months. Otoneurological examinations were carried out before and after this period. Results: The severity of MD was classified according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) grading system. Fourteen of the 27 patients randomized to intake of the AF-inducing SPC-flakes (R) reported decreased vertigo, compared with 2 of 24 in the control group (p < 0.001). No consistent change in the otoneurological examinations could be demonstrated in any of the groups of patients.
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| 3. |
- Liu, Wei, et al.
(författare)
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Immuno-surveillance and protection of the human cochlea
- 2024
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Neurology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-2295. ; 15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Despite its location near infection-prone areas, the human inner ear demonstrates remarkable resilience. This suggests that there are inherent instruments deterring the invasion and spread of pathogens into the inner ear. Here, we combined high-resolution light microscopy, super-resolution immunohistochemistry (SR-SIM) and synchrotron phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to identify the protection and barrier systems in the various parts of the human inner ear, focusing on the lateral wall, spiral ganglion, and endolymphatic sac.Materials and methods: Light microscopy was conducted on mid-modiolar, semi-thin sections, after direct glutaraldehyde/osmium tetroxide fixation. The tonotopic locations were estimated using SR-PCI and 3D reconstruction in cadaveric specimens. The sections were analyzed for leucocyte and macrophage activity, and the results were correlated with immunohistochemistry using confocal microscopy and SR-SIM.Results: Light microscopy revealed unprecedented preservation of cell anatomy and several macrophage-like cells that were localized in the cochlea. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated IBA1 cells frequently co-expressing MHC II in the spiral ganglion, nerve fibers, lateral wall, spiral limbus, and tympanic covering layer at all cochlear turns as well as in the endolymphatic sac. RNAscope assays revealed extensive expression of fractalkine gene transcripts in type I spiral ganglion cells. CD4 and CD8 cells occasionally surrounded blood vessels in the modiolus and lateral wall. TMEM119 and P2Y12 were not expressed, indicating that the cells labeled with IBA1 were not microglia. The round window niche, compact basilar membrane, and secondary spiral lamina may form protective shields in the cochlear base.Discussion: The results suggest that the human cochlea is surveilled by dwelling and circulating immune cells. Resident and blood-borne macrophages may initiate protective immune responses via chemokine signaling in the lateral wall, spiral lamina, and spiral ganglion at different frequency locations. Synchrotron imaging revealed intriguing protective barriers in the base of the cochlea. The role of the endolymphatic sac in human inner ear innate and adaptive immunity is discussed.
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| 4. |
- Kämpfe Nordström, Charlotta
(författare)
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The Human Vestibular Aqueduct, Endolymphatic Duct and Sac : A Morphological Study Using Micro-CT, Super Resolution Immunohistochemistry and Synchrotron Phase Contrast Imaging
- 2020
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The inner ear lies sheltered in the temporal bone and consists of basically three parts: the cochlea (the hearing organ), the vestibular (the balance organ), and the endolymphatic duct (ED) and endolymphatic sac (ES). The ES and ED are located in a bony canal, the vestibular aqueduct (VA), located on the medial side of the vestibule. While the functions of the cochlea and the vestibular part of the inner ear are rather well studied, our knowledge of the function/s of the ES and ED remains limited and has intrigued scientists for centuries. Earlier studies have supported several theories, such as being an immune mediator, an aid in pressure regulation, related to the absorption of endolymph, and the production of endolymph. Otologic disorders, which affect both hearing and balance, such as Meniere’s disease (MD) and large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS), have been linked to dysfunction of the ES/ED. Studies of the human inner ear are fairly sparse. Research on the ES and ED have mainly been performed on animals, although both the anatomy and function may differ among various species.This thesis aims to further investigate the anatomy and function of the human ES and ED with the two otologic disorders MD and LVAS in mind. To achieve this, we have used novel imaging techniques, such as super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM), micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT), and synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI). The material used for imaging comes from different sources: human archival temporal bones from the Uppsala temporal bone collection; human fresh-frozen cadaveric bones from our collaborators at Western University, in London, Ontario, Canada; and fresh-frozen human ES harvested during vestibular schwannoma surgery after securing ethical permission.The results of these studies describe the micro-anatomy of the VA, ED and ES down to a nanoscopic level. The discussion is based on the findings, relating them to earlier research with clinical implications regarding MD and LVAS.
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| 5. |
- Kämpfe Nordström, Charlotta, et al.
(författare)
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The Human Endolymphatic Sac and Inner Ear Immunity : Macrophage Interaction and Molecular Expression
- 2019
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-3224. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The endolymphatic sac (ES) is endowed with a multitude of white blood cells that may trap and process antigens that reach the inner ear from nearby infection-prone areas, it thus serves as an immunologic defense organ. The human ES, and unexpectedly the rest of the inner ear, has been recently shown to contain numerous resident macrophages. In this paper, we describe ES macrophages using super-resolution structured fluorescence microscopy (SR-SIM) and speculate on these macrophages' roles in human inner ear defense.Material and Methods: After ethical permission was obtained, human vestibular aqueducts were collected during trans-labyrinthine surgery for acoustic neuroma removal. Tissues were placed in fixative before being decalcified, rapidly frozen, and cryostat sectioned. Antibodies against IBA1, cytokine fractalkine (CX3CL1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), cluster of differentiation (CD) 68, CD11b, CD4, CD8, and the major histocompatibility complex type II (MHCII) were used for immunohistochemistry.Results: A large number of IBA1-positive cells with different morphologies were found to reside in the ES; the cells populated surrounding connective tissue and the epithelium. Macrophages interacted with other cells, showed migrant behavior, and expressed immune cell markers, all of which suggest their active role in the innate and adaptive inner ear defense and tolerance.Discussion: High-resolution immunohistochemistry shows that antigens reaching the ear may be trapped and processed by an immune cell machinery located in the ES. Thereby inflammatory activity may be evaded near the vulnerable inner ear sensory structures. We speculate on the immune defensive link between the ES and the rest of the inner ear.
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| 6. |
- Helpard, Luke, et al.
(författare)
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An Approach for Individualized Cochlear Frequency Mapping Determined From 3D Synchrotron Radiation Phase-Contrast Imaging
- 2021
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Ingår i: IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). - 0018-9294 .- 1558-2531. ; 68:12, s. 3602-3611
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Cochlear implants are traditionally programmed to stimulate according to a generalized frequency map, where individual anatomic variability is not considered when selecting the centre frequency of stimulation of each implant electrode. However, high variability in cochlear size and spatial frequency distributions exist among individuals. Generalized cochlear implant frequency maps can result in large pitch perception errors and reduced hearing outcomes for cochlear implant recipients. The objective of this work was to develop an individualized frequency mapping technique for the human cochlea to allow for patient-specific cochlear implant stimulation.Methods: Ten cadaveric human cochleae were scanned using synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI) combined with computed tomography (CT). For each cochlea, ground truth angle-frequency measurements were obtained in three-dimensions using the SR-PCI CT data. Using an approach designed to minimize perceptual error in frequency estimation, an individualized frequency function was determined to relate angular depth to frequency within the cochlea.Results: The individualized frequency mapping function significantly reduced pitch errors in comparison to the current gold standard generalized approach.Conclusion and Significance: This paper presents for the first time a cochlear frequency map which can be individualized using only the angular length of cochleae. This approach can be applied in the clinical setting and has the potential to revolutionize cochlear implant programming for patients worldwide.
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| 7. |
- Liu, Wei, et al.
(författare)
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Human Inner Ear Immune Activity : A Super-Resolution Immunohistochemistry Study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Neurology. - : FRONTIERS MEDIA SA. - 1664-2295. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Like the brain, the human inner ear was long thought to be devoid of immune activity. Only the endolymphatic sac (ES) was known to be endowed with white blood cells that could process antigens and serve as an immunologic defense organ for the entire inner ear. Unexpectedly, the cochlear and vestibular organs, including the eighth cranial nerve, were recently shown to contain macrophages whose functions and implication in ear disease are somewhat undefined. Here, we review recent inner ear findings in man and extend the analyses to the vestibular nerve using super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM).Materials and Methods: Human ESs and cochleae were collected during surgery to treat patients with vestibular schwannoma and life-threatening petro-clival meningioma compressing the brainstem. The ESs and cochleae were placed in fixative, decalcified, and rapidly frozen and cryostat sectioned. Antibodies against ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1-expressing cells (IBA1 cells), laminin beta 2 and type IV collagen TUJ1, cytokine fractalkine (CX3CL1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), CD68, CD11b, CD4, CD8, the major histocompatibility complex type II (MHCII), and the microglial marker TEME119 were used.Results: IBA1-positive cells were present in the ESs, the cochlea, central and peripheral axons of the cochlear nerve, and the vestibular nerve trunk. IBA1 cells were found in the cochlear lateral wall, spiral limbus, and spiral ganglion. Notable variants of IBA1 cells adhered to neurons with "synapse-like" specializations and cytoplasmic projections. Slender IBA1 cells occasionally protracted into the basal lamina of the Schwann cells and had intimate contact with surrounding axons.Discussion: The human eighth nerve may be under the control of a well-developed macrophage cell system. A small number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells were found in the ES and occasionally in the cochlea, mostly located in the peripheral region of Rosenthal's canal. A neuro-immunologic axis may exist in the human inner ear that could play a role in the protection of the auditory nerve. The implication of the macrophage system during disease, surgical interventions, and cell-based transplantation should be further explored.
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| 8. |
- Liu, Wei, et al.
(författare)
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The Human "Cochlear Battery" - Claudin-11 Barrier and Ion Transport Proteins in the Lateral Wall of the Cochlea
- 2017
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1662-5099. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The cochlea produces an electric field potential essential for hair cell transduction and hearing. This biological "battery" is situated in the lateral wall of the cochlea and contains molecular machinery that secretes and recycles K+ ions. Its functioning depends on junctional proteins that restrict the para-cellular escape of ions. The tight junction protein Claudin-11 has been found to be one of the major constituents of this barrier that maintains ion gradients (Gow et al., 2004; Kitajiri et al., 2004a). We are the first to elucidate the human Claudin-11 framework and the associated ion transport machinery using super-resolution fluorescence illumination microscopy (SR-SIM). Methods: Archival cochleae obtained during meningioma surgery were used for SR-SIM together with transmission electron microscopy after ethical consent. Results: Claudin-11-expressing cells formed parallel tight junction lamellae that insulated the epithelial syncytium of the stria vascularis and extended to the suprastrial region. Intercellular gap junctions were found between the barrier cells and fibrocytes. Conclusion: Transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and SR-SIM revealed exclusive cell specialization in the various subdomains of the lateral wall of the human cochlea. The Claudin-11-expressing cells exhibited both conductor and isolator characteristics, and these micro-porous separators may selectively mediate the movement of charged units to the intrastrial space in a manner that is analogous to a conventional electrochemical "battery." The function and relevance of this battery for the development of inner ear disease are discussed.
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| 9. |
- Edvardsson Rasmussen, Jesper, 1984-
(författare)
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Inner ear proteomics and barriers : Clinical and experimental findings
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Hearing is important in many aspects of life, including communication, assessing one’s surroundings, entertainment and social interaction. Hearing loss is common and according to the Global Burden of Disease Study, 5% of the global population require hearing rehabilitation (1). Pharmacological treatment options are limited, so understanding cellular mechanisms in the damaged inner ear is crucial for developing novel therapies.In this thesis, the human inner ear proteome in patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) and its association with hearing loss were investigated. Ototoxic effects induced by furosemide were also examined, focusing on inner ear barrier function, furosemide sensitive Na-K-Cl co-transporter 1 (NKCC1), Fetuin-A, linked to tumour-associated hearing loss, and Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), potentially important for blood-endolymph barrier integrity.Translabyrinthine surgery on 35 patients, 32 with VS and three with meningioma, provided samples from perilymph, endolymph, endolymphatic sac tissue, VS biopsies and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for proteome analysis. Effects of furosemide on the inner ear barriers were studied in mice using 9.4Tesla MRI, and in guinea pigs using immunohistochemistry and mRNA in situ hybridisation focusing on NKCC1, Fetuin-A, and PEDF.Proteomic analysis revealed consistent sets of proteins in perilymph (91/315) and endolymph (545/1211). The proteomes of perilymph and CSF exhibited specific differences, with proteins unique to each fluid, thereby emphasizing the distinct origin of perilymph separate from CSF. Fetuin-A was inversely related to tumour-associated hearing loss, while patients with severe to profound hearing loss exhibited upregulation of complement factor H-related protein 2 (CFHR2).Furosemide compromised the blood-endolymph barrier, allowing gadolinium contrast into scala media. It affected NKCC1 of type II fibrocytes coinciding with the onset of hearing loss following high-dose furosemide, suggesting early disruption in potassium ion recirculation. Fetuin-A and PEDF were identified in the cochlea at protein and mRNA level. Their staining intensity increased in various cochlear subsites 120 minutes after furosemide administration, indicating their involvement in the cochlear response to the effects of furosemide.In summary, this thesis uncovered significant inter-individual variability in both the perilymph and endolymph proteome, alongside a consistent subset of proteins. Further, associations between hearing loss and proteome changes suggest inflammation as a potential mechanism for hearing degradation caused by vestibular schwannomas. Experimentally, impact of furosemide on blood-inner ear barriers were visualised in vivo and type II fibrocytes were identified as potential initial targets for NKCC1 blockade. Fetuin-A and PEDF were confirmed in several cell types in the cochlea and may increase in response to very high furosemide doses.
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| 10. |
- Agrawal, Sumit, et al.
(författare)
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The secondary spiral lamina and its relevance in cochlear implant surgery
- 2018
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Ingår i: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 123:1, s. 9-18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: We used synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to study the 3D microanatomy of the basilar membrane (BM) and its attachment to the spiral ligament (SL) (with a conceivable secondary spiral lamina [SSL] or secondary spiral plate) at the round window membrane (RWM) in the human cochlea. The conception of this complex anatomy may be essential for accomplishing structural preservation at cochlear implant surgery.Material and methods: Sixteen freshly fixed human temporal bones were used to reproduce the BM, SL, primary and secondary osseous spiral laminae (OSL), and RWM using volume-rendering software. Confocal microscopy immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze the molecular constituents.Results: SR-PCI reproduced the soft tissues including the RWM, Reissner's membrane (RM), and the BM attachment to the lateral wall (LW) in three dimensions. A variable SR-PCI contrast enhancement was recognized in the caudal part of the SL facing the scala tympani (ST). It seemed to represent a SSL allied to the basilar crest (BC). The SSL extended along the postero-superior margin of the round window (RW) and immunohistochemically expressed type II collagen.Conclusions: Unlike in several mammalian species, the human SSL is restricted to the most basal portion of the cochlea around the RW. It anchors the BM and may influence its hydro-mechanical properties. It could also help to shield the BM from the RW. The microanatomy should be considered at cochlear implant surgery.
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