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Ongoing cell death and immune influences on regeneration in the vestibular sensory organsHair cells in the vestibular organs of birds have a relatively short life span. Mature hair cells appear to die spontaneously and are then quickly replaced by new hair cells that arise from the division of epithelial supporting cells. A similar regenerative mechanism also results in hair cell replacement after ototoxic damage. The cellular basis of hair cell turnover in the avian ear is not understood. We are investigating the signaling pathways that lead to hair cell death and the relationship between ongoing cell death and cell production. In addition, work from our lab and others has demonstrated that the avian inner ear contains a resident population of macrophages and that enhanced numbers of macrophages are recruited to sites of hair cells lesions. Those observations suggest that macrophages and their secretory products (cytokines) may be involved in hair cell regeneration. Consistent with that suggestion, we have found that treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone reduces regenerative cell proliferation in the avian ear, and that certain macrophage-secreted cytokines can influence the proliferation of vestibular supporting cells and the survival of statoacoustic neurons. Those results suggest a role for the immune system in the process of sensory regeneration in the inner ear.
Document ID
20040088646
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Warchol, M. E.
(Central Institute for the Deaf St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States)
Matsui, J. I.
Simkus, E. L.
Ogilive, J. M.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume: 942
ISSN: 0077-8923
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
Review, Tutorial
NASA Discipline Neuroscience
Review

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