Junctional E-cadherin/p120-catenin Is Correlated with the Absence of Supporting Cells to Hair Cells Conversion in Postnatal Mice Cochleae

Notch inhibition is known to generate supernumerary hair cells (HCs) at the expense of supporting cells (SCs) in the mammalian inner ear. However, inhibition of Notch activity becomes progressively less effective at inducing SC-to-HC conversion in the postnatal cochlea and balance organs as the animal ages. It has been suggested that the SC-to-HC conversion capacity is inversely correlated with E-cadherin accumulation in postnatal mammalian utricles. However, whether E-cadherin localization is linked to the SC-to-HC conversion capacity in the mammalian inner ear is poorly understood. In the present study, we treated cochleae from postnatal day 0 (P0) with the Notch signaling inhibitor DAPT and observed apparent SC-to-HC conversion along with E-cadherin/p120ctn disruption in the sensory region. In addition, the SC-to-HC conversion capacity and E-cadherin/p120ctn disorganization were robust in the apex but decreased toward the base. We further demonstrated that the ability to regenerate HCs and the disruption of E-cadherin/p120ctn concomitantly decreased with age and ceased at P7, even after extended DAPT treatments. This timing is consistent with E-cadherin/p120ctn accumulation in the postnatal cochleae. These results suggest that the decreasing capacity of SCs to transdifferentiate into HCs correlates with E-cadherin/p120ctn localization in the postnatal cochleae, which might account for the absence of SC-to-HC conversion in the mammalian cochlea.

Cell proliferation during hair cell regeneration induced by Math1 in vestibular epithelia in vitro

Hair cell regeneration is the fundamental method of correcting hearing loss and balance disorders caused by hair cell damage or loss. How to promote hair cell regeneration is a hot focus in current research. In mammals, cochlear hair cells cannot be regenerated and few vestibular hair cells can be renewed through spontaneous regeneration. However, Math₁ gene transfer allows a few inner ear cells to be transformed into hair cells in vitro or in vivo. Hair cells can be renewed through two possible means in birds: supporting cell differentiation and transdifferentiation with or without cell division. Hair cell regeneration is strongly associated with cell proliferation. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between Math₁-induced vestibular hair cell regeneration and cell division in mammals. The mouse vestibule was isolated to harvest vestibular epithelial cells. Ad-Math₁-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was used to track cell division during hair cell transformation. 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was added to track cell proliferation at various time points. Immunocytochemistry was utilized to determine cell differentiation and proliferation. Results demonstrated that when epithelial cells were in a higher proliferative stage, more of these cells differentiated into hair cells by Math₁ gene transfer. However, in the low proliferation stage, no BrdU-positive cells were seen after Math₁ gene transfer. Cell division always occurred before Math₁ transfection but not during or after Math₁ transfection, when cells were labeled with BrdU before and after Ad-Math₁-EGFP transfection. These results confirm that vestibular epithelial cells with high proliferative potential can differentiate into new hair cells by Math₁ gene transfer, but this process is independent of cell proliferation.

Contrasting results of tests of peripheral vestibular function in patients with bilateral large vestibular aqueduct syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To analyze and summarize the effect of bilateral large vestibular aqueducts in peripheral vestibular organ function.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with bilateral large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS; Study Group) and 18 healthy volunteers (Control Group) were investigated using audiometry, caloric test, sensory organization test (SOT), and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests.

RESULTS

All 18 patients (36 ears) exhibited sensorineural hearing loss. For cervical VEMP (cVEMP), the Study Group showed lower thresholds (Study Group vs.

CONTROL GROUP

71.4vs. 75.3dBnHL; p=0.006), N1 latencies (24.1vs. 25.2ms; p=0.026) and shorter P1 (15.3vs. 16.6ms; p=0.003), and higher amplitudes (400.7vs. 247.2µV; p<0.001) than the Control Group. For ocular VEMP (oVEMP), the Study Group had lower thresholds (79.3vs. 81.8dBnHL; p=0.046) and higher amplitudes (40.6vs. 14.4µV; p<0.001) than the Control Group. Fourteen of 16 patients (87.5%) who completed caloric tests had abnormal results, and 10 of 18 patients (55.6%) exhibited abnormal results in SOTs.

CONCLUSIONS

The hyperfunction of vestibular test in otolithic organs and the hypofunction of vestibular test in semicircular canals, as well as the dysfunction in the balance test were demonstrated in patients with LVAS.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings can help clinicians gain a better understanding of the characteristics of vestibular organ function in patients with LVAS, which can facilitate optimal targeted treatment.

Allergic rhinitis and allergy are risk factors for otitis media with effusion: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

We systematically reviewed the associations between allergic rhinitis or allergy and otitis media with effusion, by reference to published data.

STUDY DESIGN

A meta-analysis of case-controlled studies.

DATA SOURCE

Five databases (Pubmed, Highwire, Medline, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for relevant studies in the English language published prior to November 12, 2015.

STUDIES CHOSEN

Studies with clearly defined experimental and control groups, in which the experimental groups had otitis media with effusion together with allergic rhinitis or allergy, were selected.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis on data from the identified cross-sectional and case-controlled studies using fixed- or random-effects models (depending on heterogeneity). We used Reviewer Manager 5.3 software to this end.

RESULTS

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with otitis media with effusion and the control groups differed significantly in three studies (P<0.00001), as did the prevalence of allergy (in six studies; P=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Allergic rhinitis and allergy appear to be risk factors for otitis media with effusion.

Activation of ETA Receptor by Endothelin-1 Induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Migration and Invasion via ERK1/2 and AKT Signaling Pathways

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a member of endothelins family, binds to ETA receptor (ETAR) and ETB receptor to exert its role in multiple cellular processes. Although ET-1 and its receptors has been reported to be overexpressed in many cancers, and overexpression of ET-1 is able to trigger hepatocarcinogenesis in zebrafish, the functions of ET-1 and its receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell migration and invasion remain unclear. In the present study, we found that ETAR was greatly expressed in HCC cells and HCC tissues. ETAR expression as well as ET-1 expression was associated with vascular invasion and tumor stage in HCC. Activation of ETAR by ET-1 dose-dependently promoted cell migration and invasion of HCC cells, while silencing of ETAR by siRNA or blocking of ETAR by specific inhibitor resulted in significant reduction in ET-1-mediated migration and invasion. Furthermore, ET-1 induced activation of ERK1/2 and AKT and increased MMP-3 production via ETAR. In addition, using inhibitors of ERK1/2 and AKT, we found that ERK1/2 and AKT pathways were both involved in ETAR-mediated migration, invasion, and MMP-3 production. Taken together, our findings suggest that activation of ETAR by ET-1 promotes HCC cell migration and invasion via activating ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways and upregulating MMP-3 expression. Thus, ETAR may play an important role in the progress of HCC.

The hepatitis B virus reactivation after transarterial chemoembolization in Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma patients with low serum hepatitis B virus DNA level

Objective

To investigate the reactivation of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with low serum HBV DNA level, and to analyze the factors related to HBV reactivation in HCC patients with low serum HBV DNA level.

Methods

From November 2011 to January 2014, 109 patients newly diagnosed with HCC with an HBV DNA level less than 2,000 IU/mL were enrolled in the study. These patients underwent at least two TACE procedures and were followed-up for at least 3 months to assess the reactivation of HBV DNA. Ten variables were compared in patients with and without HBV reactivation to evaluate the factors related to HBV reactivation in HCC patients with low serum HBV DNA level.

Results

Of 109 HCC patients with low level HBV DNA, nine patients were HBeAg-positive, the other 100 patients were HBeAg-negative. Twenty-three of 109 (21.1%) patients developed HBV reactivation after TACE. Of nine HBeAg-positive patients, 55.6% (5/9) developed HBV reactivation, while in 100 HBeAg-negative patients, the rate of HBV reactivation was 18% (18/100) (P=0.019). Of ten variables of patients with low level HBV DNA, the levels of AFP and HBeAg status were found to be significantly correlated with HBV reactivation. Nevertheless, on binary logistic regression analysis, only HBeAg-positive status was the independent predictor of HBV reactivation in HCC patients with low serum HBV DNA level (odds ratio, 7.41; P=0.013).

Conclusion

HCC patients with low serum HBV DNA level still remain associated with risk of viral reactivation after TACE, and HBeAg-positive HCC patients have a higher risk than patients with HBeAg-negative status.

ABCG2 regulated by MAPK pathways is associated with cancer progression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G, member 2 (ABCG2) overexpression has been associated with multidrug resistance and cancer progression by promoting proliferation and/or suppressing apoptosis, but how this process happens remains to be determined. In this study, the roles and the mechanisms of ABCG2 in the progression of Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) were investigated. We found that introduction of ABCG2 siRNA into Hep-2 and Hep-2T cells significantly enhanced the intracellular accumulation of mitoxantrone (MX). Down-regulation of ABCG2 by transient RNAi inhibited cell proliferation and blocked cell cycle progression by regulating the expression of cyclin D3 and p21 Cip1. ABCG2 silence also induced cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of surviving, bcl-2 and the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in Hep-2 and Hep-2T cells. ABCG2-specific inhibitor, fumitremorgin C (FTC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitor, U0126, inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis by degrading endogenous ABCG2 in Hep-2T cells. Furthermore, inhibition of MAPK pathway by U0126 enhanced anti-cancer effects of MX in vivo. In conclusion, suppression of ABCG2 inhibits the procession of LSCC tumor growth by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our data also provide more evidence for the importance of the MAPK pathway as a suitable therapeutic target for LSCC.

Association between glutathione S-transferase T1, M1, and P1 genotypes and the risk of colorectal cancer

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes which play an important role in the neutralization of toxic compounds and eradication of electrophilic carcinogens. Genetic polymorphisms within the genes encoding for GSTs may therefore cause variations in their enzyme activity, which may in turn influence the interindividual susceptibility to cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in 264 cases and 317 controls in a Chinese population. Genotyping was performed by using multiplex PCR (for GSTT1 and GSTM1) and PCR-RFLP (for GSTP1) methods. The association between the polymorphic genotypes and CRC risk was evaluated by deriving odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Our results showed that individuals with GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes exhibited a higher risk of CRC (GSTT1, OR,1.66; 95% CI, 1.20-2.31, P=0.003; GSTM1, OR,1.57; 95% CI,1.13-2.18, P=0.007), while no association was observed for GSTP1 (P heterozygous=0.790 or P variant=0.261). Furthermore, individuals who simultaneously carried the null genotypes for both GSTT1 and GSTM1 showed a stronger risk association (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.33-2.85; P<0.001). In conclusion, the GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms, but not GSTP1, may modulate the CRC risk among Chinese.

Association between carcinoembryonic antigen levels and the applied value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in post-operative recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer

Positron emission tomography (PET) using ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose has been widely used for analyzing cellular metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the diagnostic value of PET/computed tomography (CT) in patients with post-operative recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), and the different levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). A total of 105 suspected recurrent and metastatic CRC patients (67 males and 38 females; mean age, 48.5 years) were included in this retrospective study. All the patients underwent PET/CT examination. The differences in the PET/CT diagnostic values of CEA-positive and -negative patients with recurrent CRC following surgery were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Among the 105 CRC patients, 87 exhibited recurrence and metastasis, as confirmed by histopathological diagnosis or clinical follow-up data. By contrast, the PET/CT examination results revealed that 85 cases were true positives (a false positive foci was diagnosed in one of the patients), 18 were true negatives and 2 were false negatives. Correspondingly, the sensitivity and degree of accuracy were 97.7 and 97.1%, respectively. The detection rates of PET/CT for the recurrence and metastases were 85.3% in the CEA-positive group and 75.7% in the CEA-negative group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups. Overall, CEA levels do not help improve the detection rate of PET/CT in the recurrence and metastasis of CRC. PET/CT imaging has a high sensitivity and degree of accuracy in detecting recurrence and metastasis following CRC surgery. Therefore, this method is ideal for monitoring relapsed and metastatic foci of post-operative colon cancer cases.

Transarterial chemoembolization combined with sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Sorafenib has been demonstrated to improve survival rate in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the survival benefit remains modest and the response rates remain poor. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may be used for the treatment of advanced HCC with well-preserved liver function and has a high local tumor control rate. We hypothesized that patients with advanced HCC may benefit from the combination of sorafenib with TACE. A retrospective study was conducted involving patients with advanced HCC, who had received at least one TACE session. Patients subsequently received 400 mg sorafenib twice per day and were monitored monthly. A dose reduction from 400 to 200 mg of sorafenib twice per day was permitted. The overall survival and side effects were subsequently followed up. In total, 38 patients were included from April 1st, 2009 to March 31st, 2012. All patients were treated with sorafenib after TACE was performed. As of March 31st, 2013, seven patients remained on sorafenib, and were censored at that time point. The median overall survival time was 12 months (95% confidence interval, 6.3-17.7 months). The sorafenib dose was reduced temporarily in 32 patients (84.2%). The most common toxicities were dermatological adverse effects (94.7%), diarrhea (63.2%) and alopecia (26.3%). The survival benefit of sorafenib combined with TACE for advanced HCC is promising, with no intolerable adverse events, provided that dose adjustment is permitted.

Efficacy of Sorafenib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Sorafenib, a drug that inhibits Raf serine/threonine kinases mediating cell proliferation and receptor tyrosine kinases involved in angiogenesis, is approved for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and analyze the prognostic factors of sorafenib treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODOLOGY

Consecutive cases of HCC were treated with sorafenib (400 mg, Bid). Baseline clinical parameters, adverse events and survival were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients received sorafenib and transarterial therapy. There was no CR; 2 (3.3%) patients achieved partial response, but 30 patients (50.0%) achieved stable disease. The median follow-up time was 16 months. The median OS and median TTP were 13.6 months and 4.4 months respectively. The common adverse events were dermal reaction (60.0%, 36/60), diarrhea (46.7.0%, 28/60), hypertension (5.0%, 3/60), hair loss (16.7%, 10/60), myelosuppression (20.0%, 12/60), and liver dysfunction (25.0%, 15/60). In most patients, these side effects were mild-to-moderate, and alleviated remarkably after symptomatic treatment. The patients with lower tumor burden and without extrahepatic spread had better prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Soafenib is effective for unresectable primary HCC with tolerable toxicity. Tumor stage is a predominant prognostic factor.

Hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis to the lacrimal gland: A case report

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a globally common neoplasm, with regional metastasis associated with >50% of the tumors. Extrahepatic metastasis is also common, with the lungs, diaphragm, abdominal lymph nodes and bone being the most frequently affected regions. However, to the best of our knowledge, HCC metastasis to the lacrimal gland has not been reported in the literature. Only one case of metastasis to the lacrimal sac from a renal cell carcinoma has been reported. The current study presents the case of a 56-year-old male with ocular symptoms who was eventually diagnosed with HCC. The therapeutic alternatives for such cases are also discussed according to the reviewed literature. Clinicians should be watchful for the appearance of tumors in the lacrimal gland in patients with a history of malignancy.

miR-146a G>C polymorphisms and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are thought to have a role in cancer development. We investigated the association among miR-146a G>C genetic variations, hepatitis B (HBV), and C (HCV) infection, and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unconditional logistical regression analysis suggested that the miR-146a GG genotype and G allele carried a 2.10- (95 % confidence interval (CI)=1.03-4.37) and 1.42-fold (95 % CI=1.07-1.92) increased HCC risk, respectively. HBV-positive subjects carrying the miR-146a GG genotype (odds ratio (OR)=2.95, 95 % CI=1.31-6.81) and G allele (OR=1.65, 95 % CI=1.15-2.58) had an increased risk of HCC. However, the miR-146a GG genotype and G allele did not carry a significantly enhanced risk of HCC in either hepatitis-negative or HCV-infected subjects. miR-146a G>C polymorphisms appear to influence susceptibility to HCC, especially in HBV-infected patients.

Ectopic hair cell-like cell induction by Math1 mainly involves direct transdifferentiation in neonatal mammalian cochlea

Math1, also known as Atoh1, is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that plays a key role in hair cells (HCs) development. Previous studies have reported that Math1 gene transfer could induce the production of ectopic hair cell-like cells both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we focused on the mechanism of ectopic hair cell-like cellular differentiation from cells in the lateral epithelial ridge (LER) of cochlea with a human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vector encoding both Math1 and the reporter gene EGFP. Within the Ad5-EGFP-Math1 infection, hair-cell like cells could be detected in the LER. 5'-Bromo-2' deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation test results at different time points suggested that LER cells possessed high potential to proliferation, but they could not transdifferentiate into hair cells spontaneously. Almost all of Math1 induced hair cell-like cells were BrdU negative when BrdU incorporation occurred after Math1 expression. In conclusion, Math1 induced hair cell-like cells from LER cells mainly underwent direct trans-differentiation instead of mitosis of LER cells or newly hair cell-like cells.

[Transdifferention of some supporting cells in the cochlea induced by Ad5 atoh1/EGFP in the young adult guinea pigs]

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether the Ad5-atoh1/EGFP could transdifferent the supporting cells into the new hair cells in young adult guinea pigs cochlea in vivo.

METHOD

Twelve healthy pigmented guinea pigs weighted 200-250 g were included in this experiment. 5 ul of Ad5-E1/E3 defected-atoh1/EGFP were infused into the scala media through a hole made on the lateral wall of the cochlea. Six of the 12 animal were killed 2 weeks after the infusion operation. The others were killed 4 weeks after the operation. The whole mount of the basal membranes were directly observed under the fluorescence microscope for the expression of the EGFP (enhance green fluorescent protein) or for the expression of the hair cellspecific marker and nuclear after staining with myosin VIIa rabbit polyclonal antibody and Dapi dye.

RESULT

New cells with big nuclear, ellipse body and expressed with EGFP were found in the region near to the outmost row of the outer hair cells in 2 animal 2 weeks after the infusion. Moreover there were 3 animals with specific morphologic new cells in the location where ever been located by the outer hair cells and the region as 2 weeks animals 4 weeks after the infusion. Those cells were stained by myosin VIIa antibody.

CONCLUSION

Atoh1 gene could transdifferent some supporting cells in the basal membrane into hair cell like cells in young adult guinea pigs in vivo. These supporting cells locate in the region of outer hair cells and the basal membrane which do not belong to the region of outer hair cells.

[Analysis of BRAF mutation and extracellular regulated protein kinases activation in nasal mucosa melanomas]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of BRAF gene mutation and the expression of activated extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in nasal mucosa malignant melanomas and compare the results with those in cutaneous melanomas so as to explore the difference in the pathogenesis between nasal mucosa malignant melanomas and cutaneous melanomas.

METHODS

Twenty nasal mucosa melanomas samples were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted and the BRAF mutation detected by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and direct sequencing analysis. Total protein was obtained and the activated ERK detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

BRAF mutation was detected in 5% (1/20) samples of all patients. The mutation rate was much lower than that in cutaneous melanomas. And phosphorylated ERK protein was detected in 60% (12/20). And the result was almost similar to that of cutaneous melanomas.

CONCLUSIONS

The high expression of activated ERK is not caused mainly by BRAF gene mutation in nasal mucosa malignant melanomas. The pathogenic pathways are different between nasal mucosa malignant melanomas and cutaneous melanomas.

Clinicopathological implications of tumour-associated macrophages and vascularization in sinonasal melanoma

This study investigated tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their effects on tumour vascularization in sinonasal melanoma (SNM). Data on 45 patients with SNM undergoing surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Tumour sections were analysed immunohistochemically for TAMs, microvessels, lymph vessels, and vasculogenic mimicry in both intra- and peritumoural areas. The density of intratumoural TAMs was associated with tumour thickness and with overall survival in SNM stages I and II but there were no correlations between micro- or lymph vessel density and TAM infiltration. Greater TAM infiltration was observed in tumour tissues with vasculogenic mimicry although this was not statistically significant. These data suggest that high intratumoural TAM infiltration is associated with tumour aggressiveness and a poor prognosis for SNM, and that activation of macrophages can be polarized by different micro-environments. TAMs could be potential prognostic indicators for patients with SNM.

A six-generation Chinese family in haplogroup B4C1C exhibits high penetrance of 1555A > G-induced hearing Loss

Background

The 1555A > G mutation is the most common cause of aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic deafness. However, the variable clinical phenotype and incomplete penetrance of A1555G-induced hearing loss complicate our understanding of this mutation. Environmental factors, nuclear genes, mitochondrial haplotypes/variants and a possible threshold effect have been reported to may be involved in its manifestation.

Methods

Here, we performed a clinical, molecular, genetic and phylogenic analysis in a six-generation Chinese family.

Results

A clinical evaluation revealed that affected individuals without aminoglycoside exposure developed hearing loss extending gradually from 12000 Hz to 8000 Hz and then to 4000 Hz. Using pyrosequencing, we detected an identical homoplasmic 1555A > G mutation in all individuals except one. We did not find any correlation between the mutation load and the severity of hearing loss. T123N coexisted with the 1555A > G mutation in six affected subjects in our pedigree. Analysis of the complete mtDNA genome of this family revealed that this family belonged to haplotype B4C1C and exhibited high penetrance. Upon the inclusion of subjects that had been exposed to aminoglycosides, the penetrance of the hearing loss was 63.6%.; without exposure to aminoglycosides, it was 51.5%. This pedigree and another reported Chinese pedigree share the same haplotype (B4C1C) and lack functionally significant mitochondrial tRNA variants, but nevertheless they exhibit a different penetrance of hearing loss.

Conclusions

Our results imply that the factors responsible for the higher penetrance and variable expression of the deafness associated with the 1555A > G mutation in this pedigree may not be mtDNA haplotype/variants, but rather nuclear genes and/or aminoglycosides.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of C57BL/6 mouse inner ear during development

PURPOSE

To explore the three-dimensional (3-D) morphological characteristics of the complicated inner ear development of the C57BL/6 mouse.

METHODS

Specimens of C57BL/6 mouse embryos on days E7.5, E8.5, E9.5, E10.5, E11.5, E12.5 and E14.5 were collected and sectioned serially in this experiment. After hematoxylin and eosin staining, parts of the inner ear were pictured under the microscope with specific positional control. Using the protocol of 3D-DOCTOR software, we outlined the inner ear margin including the inner and extra face in different colors and put them into the 3-D program to reconstruct the 3-D model.

RESULTS

3-D models of the E9.5, E10.5, E11.5, E12.5 and E14.5 inner ear were obtained and proved to be fine. Different parts of the inner ear were shown clearly in different colors in the 3-D model and significant morphological changes of the inner ear were shown during development between E9.5 and E14.5.

CONCLUSION

The new technology of 3-D reconstruction is a useful and important tool to directly observe the complex development of the inner ear, and the development between E9.5 and E14.5 has been proved by the 3-D model to be the most complex and important period of the development of the C57BL/6 mouse inner ear.