Possible role of gap junction intercellular channels and connexin 43 in satellite glial cells (SGCs) for preservation of human spiral ganglion neurons : A comparative study with clinical implications.

Human spiral ganglion (SG) neurons show remarkable survival properties and maintain electric excitability for a long time after complete deafness and even separation from the organ of Corti, features essential for cochlear implantation. Here, we analyze and compare the localization and distribution of gap junction (GJ) intercellular channels and connexin 43 (Cx43) in cells surrounding SG cell bodies in man and guinea pig by using transmission electron microscopy and confocal immunohistochemistry. GJs and Cx43 expression has been recognized in satellite glial cells (SGCs) in non-myelinating sensory ganglia including the human SG. In man, SG neurons can survive as mono-polar or "amputated" cells with unbroken central projections following dendrite degeneration and consolidation of the dendrite pole. Cx43-mediated GJ signaling between SGCs is believed to play a key role in this "healing" process and could explain the unique preservation of human SG neurons and the persistence of cochlear implant function.

Visualization and analysis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the inner ear by light microscopy and energy filtered TEM.

Nanoparticles as potential carriers for local drug transfer are an alternative to systemic drug delivery into the inner ear. We report on the first in vitro tests of a new ferrogel consisting of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and a Pluronic(®) F127 (PF127) copolymer. Pluronic copolymers possess a unique viscosity-adjustable property that makes PF127 gels easy to handle compared to conventional cross-linked hydrogels. This ferrogel was successfully tested in cadaver human temporal bones as well as in organotypic explant cultures of mouse inner ears. SPIONs were identified by light microscopy and localized with different imaging modes in energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy. Our approach shows a promising possibility to use iron oxide nanoparticles, which are suitable for visualization and characterization at both the light- and electron-microscopic levels. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR: The authors report the first in vitro tests of a new ferrogel consisting of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and a Pluronic® F127 (PF127) copolymer for drug delivery in the inner ear, demonstrasting a promising possibility to use iron oxide nanoparticles, which are suitable for visualization and characterization at both the light- and electron-microscopic levels.

H2O2-mediated oxidative stress versus cold ischemia-reperfusion: mitochondrial respiratory defects in cultured human endothelial cells.

Oxidative stress to vascular endothelium plays an important role in cold ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury. We compared mitochondrial and plasma membrane integrity in human endothelial cells after 20-min exposure to 500 microM H2O or 8-hr cold ischemia and simulated reperfusion. In both groups, plasma membrane integrity was maintained but respiration was significantly decreased, as measured by high-resolution respirometry. Uncoupling was more pronounced after H2O exposure compared with CIR. After H2O exposure, complex I respiration was significantly reduced, whereas CIR resulted additionally in a significant inhibition of complex II and IV respiration. Our results point to a partial overlap of the patterns of mitochondrial defects after H2O-mediated and CIR injury. In this respect, H2O exposure proved to be a useful model to study the mechanisms of CIR injury to human endothelial cells, whereas the full pattern of CIR injury could not be induced by a pulse of hydrogen peroxide exposure.

Cell-specific targeting in the mouse inner ear using nanoparticles conjugated with a neurotrophin-derived peptide ligand: potential tool for drug delivery.

Cell specific targeting is an emerging field in nanomedicine. Homing of the multifunctional nanoparticles (MFNPs) is achieved by the conjugation of targeting moieties on the nanoparticle surface. The inner ear is an attractive target for new drug delivery strategies as it is hard to access and hearing loss is a significant worldwide problem. In this work we investigated the utility of a Nerve Growth Factor-derived peptide (hNgf_EE) functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) to target cells of the inner ear. These functionalized NPs were introduced to organotypic explant cultures of the mouse inner ear and to PC-12 rat pheochromocytoma cells. The NPs did not show any signs of toxicity. Specific targeting and higher binding affinity to spiral ganglion neurons, Schwann cells and nerve fibers of the explant cultures were achieved through ligand mediated multivalent binding to tyrosine kinase receptors and to p75 neurotrophin receptors. Unspecific uptake of NPs was investigated using NPs conjugated with scrambled hNgf_EE peptide. Our results indicate a selective cochlear cell targeting by MFNPs, which may be a potential tool for cell specific drug and gene delivery to the inner ear.