A tubulo-cisternal endoplasmic reticulum system in the potassium transporting marginal cells of the stria vascularis and effects of the ototoxic diuretic ethacrynic acid

A Consolidated Understanding of the Contribution of Redox Dysregulation in the Development of Hearing Impairment

The etiology of hearing impairment is multifactorial, with contributions from both genetic and environmental factors. Although genetic studies have yielded valuable insights into the development and function of the auditory system, the contribution of gene products and their interaction with alternate environmental factors for the maintenance and development of auditory function requires further elaboration. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the role of redox dysregulation as the converging factor between genetic and environmental factor-dependent development of hearing loss, with a focus on understanding the interaction of oxidative stress with the physical components of the peripheral auditory system in auditory disfunction. The potential involvement of molecular factors linked to auditory function in driving redox imbalance is an important promoter of the development of hearing loss over time.

Novel structures in marginal and intermediate cells presumably relate to functions of apical versus basal strial strata

Prior ultrastructural studies showed that K+ supplied to the stria vascularis came from recycling ions from the organ of Corti or perilymph to strial basal cells. A newly distinguished basal subtype of intermediate cell (BIC) completely covered the basal cells with a leaf-like horizontal process and appeared situated to absorb from them all of the recycled K+. The basal region of marginal cells (MCs) projected foot-like and enlarged processes to border BICs opposite an unique ca. 150 angstroms space. These basal MC processes appeared positioned to resorb part of the K+ recycled to BICs. A second, upper subtype of IC (UIC), occupying middle to upper strial strata, contacted BIC's extensively. UICs were thus located to resorb from BICs the portion of the recycled K+ not forwarded to basal MC processes. The apical segment of MCs projected mitochondria-filled primary processes and numerous associated secondary processes. The Na,K-ATPase-rich secondary processes populated mid to upper stria where they could siphon K+ from UICs and resorb and secrete the ions thus generating the 150 mM [KCl] of endolymph. The morphologic relationship of basal marginal cell processes to BICs differed so strikingly from the relation of upper MC processes to UICs as to suggest a different function for basal stria, one possibly concerned with generating the endocochlear potential.

Ultrastructure indicative of ion transport in tectal, Deiters, and tunnel cells: differences between gerbil and chinchilla basal and apical cochlea

Ultrastructural examination revealed an epithelium of about five tectal cells (TCs) roofing the outer tunnel (OT) in the mid to upper, but not the basal, region of gerbil and chinchilla cochlea. Structures in TCs that are apparently specialized for retrieval of K(+) released into tunnel fluid from outer hair cells (OHCs) include surface fimbriae in the gerbil and canalicular reticulum in the chinchilla. A tunnel roof of organelle-rich TCs appeared to be better equipped for ion resorption than a roof composed of organelle-poor Hensen cells (HCs). Fimbriae, filopodia, and the cell body of TCs descended to contact the third Deiters cell (DC3) in the gerbil, and the hypertrophied DC3 phalanx rose to contact TCs in the chinchilla, which suggests a solute exchange between TCs and DCs. Previously unrecognized structures that are speculated to provide ATP ligand for cochlear purinoreceptors occurred in the chinchilla DC and gerbil TC. The observation of a microtubule stalk in DCs indicated that they also function in cochlear mechanics. A newly delineated lateral tunnel cell (LTC) intervened between the DC3 and HC in both species. The apicomedial plasmalemma of all DCs fitted closely to the base of OHCs and enveloped afferent nerves. The morphologic specializations reported here provide further support for the proposed transcellular lateral flow route for K(+) currents generated by sound exposure and neural activity. The previously demonstrated expansion of Boettcher cells, outer sulcus cell roots, type Il and IV fibrocytes, and apical microvilli on HCs and Claudius cells (CCs) in the base of the cochlea is postulated here to mediate a basal parallel current that could supply the increased K(+) transport required for the basally elevated electric potential (EP).

The WFS1 gene, responsible for low frequency sensorineural hearing loss and Wolfram syndrome, is expressed in a variety of inner ear cells

Heterozygous mutations in the WFS1 gene are responsible for autosomal dominant low frequency hearing loss at the DFNA6/14 locus, while homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations underlie Wolfram syndrome. In this study we examine expression of wolframin, the WFS1-gene product, in mouse inner ear at different developmental stages using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Both techniques showed compatible results and indicated a clear expression in different cell types of the inner ear. Although there were observable developmental differences, no differences in staining pattern or gradients of expression were observed between the basal and apical parts of the cochlea. Double immunostaining with an endoplasmic reticulum marker confirmed that wolframin localizes to this organelle. A remarkable similarity was observed between cells expressing wolframin and the presence of canalicular reticulum, a specialized form of endoplasmic reticulum. The canalicular reticulum is believed to be involved in the transcellular movements of ions, an important process in the physiology of the inner ear. Although there is nothing currently known about the function of wolframin, our results suggest that it may play a role in inner ear ion homeostasis as maintained by the canalicular reticulum.

Structural evidence for ion transport and tectorial membrane maintenance in the gerbil limbus

Cells medial to the tunnel of Corti were examined to assess fine structural features relevant to their proposed role in cochlear K(+) homeostasis. A dense network of canaliculi referred to as canalicular reticulum (CR) resided in the foot body of inner pillar cells, where it bordered and could resorb ions released from inner radial and spiral nerves. Lateral interdental cells (IDCs) formed columns which connected the inner sulcus epithelium with the base of the tectorial membrane's (TM) middle zone. A spout-like neck in cells at the top of lateral IDC columns housed a dense concentration of CR which resembled that characteristic of ion transporting epithelia and appeared to be located here for transporting ions and fluid toward the TM. Clustered IDCs in the center of the limbus connected underlying limbal stroma with the TM's limbal zone and appeared capable of transporting ions from stroma to TM. Abundant CR in limbal stellate fibrocytes evidenced their capacity to transport ions and fluid, presumably from inner sulcus epithelium toward central IDCs. The most medial IDCs possibly function as the terminus of an ion cycling path from scala vestibuli to endolymph. Light fibrocytes situated between supralimbal fibrocytes and medial IDCs appeared to serve as a link in this pathway. The limbal zone of the TM overlying central IDCs consisted of three distinct regions which offered a structural basis for transformation of an amorphous matrix supplied by central IDCs into the protofibrils of the membrane's middle zone.

Estrogen-induced microvilli and microvillar channels and entrapment of surfactant-lipids by alveolar type I cells of bovine lung

The ATI cells are simple, flat squamous epithelial cells, which are evolved to function as a component of the alveolar-capillary membrane, ideally designed for gaseous exchange. They inherently lack an active metabolic machinery and lead a precarious existence in the face of hostile environment. On the other hand, the ATI cells of the lung of ruminating animals are endowed with structure-functional properties which enable them to exert a selective barrier function against a wide range of osmotic pressure gradients at their luminal surface. Such gradients are created by a complex gaseous homeostasis due to expectoration of several gases and volatile fatty acids originating from the complex stomach of the ruminants. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of estradiol propionate on the ultrastructure of the ATI cells and their interaction with the surfactant lipids. The lungs of estrogen and dexamethasone treated male calves were harvested for electromicroscopic examination. The evidence is presented that estradiol induced the formation of microvilli and microvillar channels at the luminal surface. At these regional modifications, intense interactions with the surfactant lipids and their entrapment into the pathways of endocytosis, took place in the squamous part of the ATI cells. Concurrently, large basal protrusions ended up as long lamellipods deep into the alveolar interstitium. The filamentous cytoskeletal network and microtubules intermixed with the translocated organelles such as Golgi apparatus and associated coated and uncoated vesicles. The results of this study support the hypothesis that estrogen regulate the selective barrier-function of the ATI cells. The entrapment of surfactant lipids under the influence of estrogen by ATI cells is a significant change perhaps in response to extracellular stimuli and expression of transmembrane receptors. It implies that these epithelial cells are specially evolved to adapt to a complex gaseous homeostasis in the lung of the ruminating ungulates.

Distribution of canalicular reticulum in Deiters cells and pillar cells of gerbil cochlea

Postfixation with an osmium tetroxide-potassium ferrocyanide solution revealed in supporting cells in the organ of Corti a network of canaliculi termed canalicular reticulum (CR). In Deiters cells (DCs), the CR filled cytosol at the base of the phalanx and under plasmalemma apposed to either the outer hair cells' (HCs) basal surface or nerve terminals. From these locations the CR, accompanied by dense fibrillar substance, descended along microtubule bundles and terminated by surrounding the rosette complex in the apical cytosol. Canalicular profiles protruding from the reticulum penetrated the loose meshwork comprising the periphery of the rosette complex to contact at intervals branches of the dense trabeculae that make up the core of the complex. This arrangement disclosed a structural and presumably functional relationship between outer HCs and the CR and rosette complex. Inner pillar cells (PCs) exhibited moderately abundant to sparse profiles of CR interspersed between microtubule bundles of the microtubule stalk that connected head and foot regions. More elaborate CR extended as a network upward from the top of the microtubule stalk part was into the head body and downward into a conical expansion of the stalk at the base of the cell. Cytosol on the medial side of the basal microtubule expansion contained abundant CR which in conjunction with CR between basal microtubule bundles lay situated for possible uptake of ions or neurotransmitter released from numerous adjoining nerves. CR in outer PCs resembled that in inner PCs but appeared less prevalent in the head and foot regions and did not occur in cytosol beside the basal microtubule stalk. Characteristically small Golgi complexes accompanied the reticulum in DCs and were prevalent in the upper regions but absent in the mid and lower part of inner PCs. Short cisternae in the Golgi stacks associated with CR contrasted with the lengthier cisternae in the complexes infrequently observed in cytosol outside the microtubule stalk of inner PCs.

Cytologic evidence for mechanisms of K+ transport and genesis of Hensen bodies and subsurface cisternae in outer hair cells

A system commonly termed the tubulocisternal endoplasmic reticulum (TCER), but designated here the canalicular reticulum (CR), occurs selectively in ion-transporting epithelia, in which it is interpreted as facilitating the transcellular diffusion of ions. Mechanoelectrical transduction in the cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) depends on the apical influx and the subsequent basolateral efflux of K+. Cytologic structures that possibly mediate K+ transport in gerbil OHCs were investigated here.

METHODS

Cochleas were fixed primarily with glutaraldehyde and secondarily with reagents for demonstrating TCER or were fixed with a ferrocyanide-osmium tetroxide solution to preserve intracellular membranes. The distribution of membranous structures retained with these techniques was examined by using electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Secondary fixation with osmium tetroxide-ferrocyanide permitted ultrastructural demonstration in OHCs of increased numbers of Hensen bodies and newly detected membranous systems, including CR, linear cisternae, small clusters of cytosolic vesicles and complexes of canaliculi, segmented cisternae, and mitochondria. CR filling an apical stratum beside and below the cuticular plate and contacting laterally the uppermost subsurface cisternae (SSC) was situated to sequester and transport the apical K+ influx that attends the acoustically generated receptor potential and the silent current. The close association of CR with numerous, highly developed Golgi bodies exclusively in the apex of the cell suggested genesis of CR from Golgi cisternae. Nonbranching, linear cisternae occupied a lower cell stratum and spread from CR laterally to a more inferior region of the SSC. Small clusters of vesicles in the central cytosol resembled Hensen bodies in their envelopment by branching canaliculi and segmented cisternae in close association with mitochondria. Viewing the vesicles in Hensen bodies and the small clusters as functioning like most other cytoplasmic vesicles in transport of cell membrane permitted the interpretation that these vesicles move nascent membrane from the canalicular-mitochondrial complex to the SSC. Other small clusters of vesicles contacted the innermost layer of the SSC, often at cisterna-depleted foci in which the vesicles appeared to either replenish the SSC or arise in the course of its turnover. Proximity of multivesicular bodies and lysosomes to small vesicle clusters in foci of depleted SSC implicated the lysosomes in digesting vesicles released from the SCC. Populations of unique, large, lysosome-like bodies and of small, dense bodies in the upper cytosol of OHCs appeared to be involved in different catabolic pathways mediating the turnover ofSSC, CR, and other structures.

CONCLUSIONS

Cochlear OHCs contain previously unrecognized membranous organelles that facilitate ion transport and presumably contribute thereby to mechanoelectrical transduction. Vesicles in small clusters and Hensen bodies arise from complexes of canaliculi, cisternae, and mitochondria and contribute membrane to the genesis of the SSC.

Golgi-canalicular reticulum system in ion transporting fibrocytes and outer sulcus epithelium of gerbil cochlea

BACKGROUND

Five types of highly specialized fibrocytes have been identified in the spiral ligament of the gerbil cochlea. Type I, II, and IV fibrocytes function in cycling back to the stria vascularis K+ effluxed from outer hair cells and nerves during auditory transduction. Thus, evidence exists for a transcellular path of K+ movement from outer sulcus cells through fibrocytes to the strial interstitial space, but a mechanism for facilitating such ion flow within the cells has not been elucidated.

METHODS

The spiral ligament of glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide-fixed and Epon-embedded gerbil cochlea was examined by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Ultrastructural examination disclosed an extensive membrane limited reticulum in the cytoplasm of type I, II, IV, and V fibrocytes of the lateral wall and in outer sulcus cells and their root processes. This system resembled the tubulocisternal endoplasmic reticulum present in some ion-transporting epithelia but appeared more to constitute a network of canaliculi and is referred to as the canalicular reticulum (CR). Many typical small Golgi complexes invariably accompanied the CR in the fibrocytes and sulcus cells, as we have found to be true of other epithelia known to contain CR and function in ion transport. Numerous mitochondria populated cytosol-containing CR.

CONCLUSIONS

The data support the concept of transcellular K+ flux in type I, II, IV, and V fibrocytes and outer sulcus cells in the cochlea and lend credence to the view of CR as functioning in the movement of ions through cells. The constant and precise association of Golgi complexes with CR in the different cell types implies a functional relationship possibly concerned with biosynthesis of CR by Golgi elements, and the abundance of mitochondria near CR indicates an energy requirement for function of the reticulum or its biosynthesis.

Differences along the place-frequency map in the structure of supporting cells in the gerbil cochlea

The function of supporting cells was investigated by comparing their morphologic adaptations at six different places in the gerbil cochlea. The volume of Deiters cells and tectal (cover) cells increased whereas that of Boettcher and Claudius cells decreased from base to apex. Deiters cells in the basal region tuned between 40 and 20 kHz lacked the unique rosette complex seen in regions encoding frequencies at or below 10 kHz. Deiters cells in high frequency regions differed from those at lower frequency places in several other ways: they possessed more apical microtubules, a larger basal microtubule stalk, mitochondria in the basal compartment, apical mitochondria that were unassociated with plasmalemma and more symmetric, and a less elaborately folded apicomedial plasmalemma enveloping fewer nerves. The tectal cells covering the outer tunnel appeared unlike Hensen cells in location and structure and differed further in exhibiting more variability with position in the cochlea. These covering cells in regions encoding high frequencies (20 and 40 kHz) extended a thin process medially that formed the roof of the outer tunnel and connected with the phalanx of the third Deiters cell. The tectal cells exclusively in places at 10 kHz or below projected numerous fimbriae into the outer tunnel. Hensen cells lateral to the cover cells also differed with frequency in showing abundant apical microvilli and mitochondria and basal juxtaposition to Boettcher cells only in the 40 to 20 kHz region. The observed structural differences provide evidence for functional variability along the place-frequency map. They attest to greater ion resorption from the outer tunnel by Deiters and tectal cells in low to mid frequency regions, and for greater ion exchange between endolymph and perilymph by Hensen, Boettcher and outer sulcus cells in regions of the cochlea encoding high frequencies. Amplification of the Deiters cells' microtubule system in the base of the cochlea possibly imparts increased stiffness to these cells and enhances transmission of mechanical energy at high frequency.

Changes in mitochondrial shape and distribution induced by ethacrynic acid and the transient formation of a mitochondrial reticulum

We have examined the effect of ethacrynic acid on mitochondrial morphology and distribution as well as on cellular toxicity in cultured human fibroblasts, African Green Monkey B-SC-1 kidney cells, and Chinese hamster ovary cells. Treatment of the above cells with 66 microM ethacrynic acid causes no reduction in cell viability after 2 h but is cytotoxic upon prolonged (6-7 days) exposure. Ethacrynic acid treatment for up to 2 h is found to cause novel shape changes and redistribution of mitochondria, as assessed by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Early effects include the transient formation of a mitochondrial reticulum involving the majority of mitochondria, and these reticula are aligned along microtubules. At later times within 2 h, mitochondrial distributions become disoriented (show no association with microtubules), and an aggregation and final positioning of mitochondria around the nucleus is observed. Whole mount electron microscopy shows that mitochondria in treated cells increase in length and form junctions, indicating reticula result from mitochondrial fusion. Electron microscopy of sections through ethacrynic acid induced reticula demonstrates structural continuity in mitochondria at branch points and the presence of regular cristae. Staining of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in intact cells with the cyanine dye 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide provides evidence of concurrent aggregation of endoplasmic reticulum. Rhodamine 123 staining of living cells followed by immunofluorescent labeling of mitochondria in the same cells indicates that all mitochondria retain a transmembrane potential during the drug-induced shape changes and redistributions. The described effects of ethacrynic acid on mitochondrial morphology as well as on cellular toxicity are completely prevented by 0.5 mM dithiothreitol, indicating that ethacrynic acid is acting as a sulfhydryl reagent to produce the observed effects. The above observations also indicate that ethacrynic acid effects on mitochondrial morphology are an early event in the drug-induced cytotoxicity. The generation of varied mitochondrial morphologies by fusion and fission of mitochondria and its modulation by agents such as ethacrynic acid are discussed.

Cytologic structures unique to Deiters cells of the cochlea

Deiters cells in the gerbil cochlea disclosed unusual ultrastructural features. A sharp transition zone separated the cell body underlying outer hair cells into an upper compartment with numerous organelles and a lower part devoid of structures other than the microtubule stalk. Deiters cells exhibited a unique structure, the rosette complex, which consisted of a core of densely fibrillar trabeculae, enclosed in a filamentous meshwork and surrounded by tubulocisternal endoplasmic reticulum. The dense trabeculae radiated in columns downward from an apical translucent area toward a lucent zone around the nucleus. They also spread to the medial plasmalemma enveloping nerves and upward into the base of the phalanx. Frequent, small Golgi complexes bordered the tubular reticulum. The distinctive mitochondria of Deiters cells frequently paralleled the plasmalemma, revealed an elongated, often arched profile, and contained sparse, longitudinally aligned cristae. The stalk, composed of characteristic microtubule bundles resembling those in pillar cells, ascended from basal to apical plasmalemma of the cell body and into the phalanx and reticular lamina as previously described. The stalk appeared also to ramify into smaller microtubule bundles in apical cytosol penetrating the rosette complex. Nuclei in Deiters cells differed from those in hair cells in their location high in the cell and in showing chromatin dispersion indicative of more active protein synthesis.

Structural variability of the sub-surface cisternae in intact, isolated outer hair cells shown by fluorescent labelling of intracellular membranes and freeze-fracture

The intracellular membrane systems in intact, isolated outer hair cells were visualised using the fluorescent membrane probe 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide (DiOC6) and by freeze-fracture, and f-actin distribution was examined with rhodamine-phalloidin. DiOC6 stained the sub-surface cisternal membranes in the lateral wall and revealed a membrane system running in the centre of the cell from the nucleus to the sub-cuticular region. In optical sections of the lateral wall of fluorescently labelled cells, obtained by scanning laser confocal microscopy, the sub-surface membrane appeared as a fenestrated sheet or a fine network of tubules. Freeze-fracture replicas of rapidly-frozen, unfixed outer hair cells also showed the sub-surface membrane as a fenestrated sheet in some cells or as a network of tubules in others. These combined studies indicate that the interruptions within the cisternal membranes as seen in normal thin sections of outer hair cells are not fixation artefacts but may reflect the dynamic and plastic properties of this membrane system. Double staining of cells with rhodamine-phalloidin and DiOC6 showed substantial co-localisation of intracellular membranes and f-actin. The results suggest there may be a continuous, dynamic endoplasmic reticulum system, forming a core in the centre of the cell, broadening in the subcuticular region and extending down the lateral wall, that may have a role in the turnover and distribution of cytoskeletal assemblies within the outer hair cell.

Carbohydrates in the guinea pig stria vascularis demonstrated with lectin-gold techniques

Soybean agglutinin (SBA), Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA), Ricinus communis agglutinin-II (RCA-II), Limax flavus agglutinin (LFA) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) were employed to determine the localization of specific carbohydrates on thin sections of lowicryl K4M embedded guinea pig striae vasculares using the lectin-gold and glycoprotein-gold techniques. SBA, HPA and RCA-II gold labeling was observed in many of the cytoplasmic vesicles, endosomes and apical tubules located in the supranuclear region as well as on the microvilli and micropinocytotic invaginations of the luminal plasma membrane of the marginal cells. LFA labeling was found on the basal plasma membrane of the marginal cells as well as in the basement membrane of the perivascular spaces. WGA binding sites were detected along the plasma membrane of all types of cells constituting the stria vascularis. Our present results revealed that the membranes of internalization and many of the cytoplasmic vesicles, endosomes and apical tubules in the supranuclear region of the marginal cells are associated together and it is suggested that these structures may be related to the regulation of endolymph.

Endocochlear potential generation is associated with intercellular communication in the stria vascularis: structural analysis in the viable dominant spotting mouse mutant

Deafness in the viable dominant spotting mouse mutant is due to a primary defect of the stria vascularis which results in absence of the positive endocochlear potential in scala media. Endocochlear potentials were measured and the structure of stria vascularis of mutants with potentials close to zero was compared with that in normal littermate controls by use of morphometric methods. The stria vascularis was significantly thinner in mutants. Marginal cells were not significantly different from controls in terms of volume density or intramembrane particle density but the network density of tight junctions was significantly reduced in the mutants. A virtual absence of gap junctions between basal cells and marginal or intermediate cells was observed, but intramembrane particle density and junctional complexes between adjacent basal cells were not different from controls. The volume density of basal cells was significantly greater in mutants. Intermediate cells accounted for a significantly smaller volume density of the stria vascularis in mutants and had a lower density of intramembrane particles than controls. Melanocytes were not identified in the stria vascularis of mutants. These results suggest that communication between marginal, intermediate and basal cells might be important to the normal function of the stria vascularis.

Gap junctions in the stria vascularis and effects of ethacrynic acid

Gap junctions in the stria vascularis of guinea pigs were studied using freeze-fracture. Nearly all junctions were associated with basal cells. They were present between basal cells and spiral ligament cells, adjacent basal cells, basal and marginal cells and basal and intermediate cells. Following administration of ethacrynic acid, gap junction morphology altered. There was a statistically significant decrease in the centre-to-centre spacing of gap junction subunits and the subunits became regularly packed. Such changes were distinct before any other gross morphological change in the stria had occurred. These morphological alterations suggest that physiological uncoupling of stria cells may occur in response to the effects of ethacrynic acid.