| Popis: |
Myelin protein P0 has been identified as an autoantigen in inner ear disease. In order to study autoimmune hearing loss, we performed brain stem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs) studies on P0-sensitized mice. Two-P0 sensitized mice showed hunched posture, poor coat, loss of body weight, and abnormal walking with a waddling gait. About 25% of the P0-sensitized mice developed hearing loss. In the BAEPs study, peak latencies of waves I, III, and V and interpeak latencies (IPLs) I–III were prolonged in the P0-sensitized hearing loss group of mice. Hearing thresholds were elevated in this group of mice in comparison with control mice. Inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the cochlear nerve region, and a reduced number of spiral ganglion cells was also detected. These results suggest that P0-sensitized mice are a useful model for studying autoimmune inflammation of the peripheral portion of the auditory system. |
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