Neurotransmission in the human labyrinth

Adv Otorhinolaryngol. 2002:59:11-7. doi: 10.1159/000059237.

Abstract

Different neuroactive substances have been found in the efferent pathways of both the olivocochlear and vestibular systems. In the present study, the distribution and role of three neurotransmitters, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and enkephalin were investigated in the human labyrinth of 4 normal-hearing individuals. Immunohistochemical studies in human inner ear research, however, face a problem of procuring well-preserved specimens with maintained neurotransmitter antigenicity and morphology. Methods and findings are reported and discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase / metabolism
  • Ear, Inner / metabolism
  • Ear, Inner / physiology*
  • Enkephalins / metabolism
  • Hair Cells, Auditory / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Neurons, Afferent / enzymology
  • Neurons, Afferent / ultrastructure
  • Neurons, Efferent / physiology
  • Organ of Corti / enzymology
  • Organ of Corti / ultrastructure
  • Spiral Ganglion / enzymology
  • Spiral Ganglion / ultrastructure
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism

Substances

  • Enkephalins
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase