Localization of glucocorticoid receptors in the murine inner ear.

We performed an immunohistochemical investigation of the distribution of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the murine inner ear and found that GRs were expressed extensively, but with various degrees of immunoreactivity in different regions. We observed the strongest GR expression in the type III fibrocytes of the spiral ligament. Although the immunoreactivity of the cochlear hair cells and of the vestibular sensory epithelia was weak, the neighboring cochlear supporting cells and the subepithelial regions of the vestibular sensory epithelia were immunostained. Staining for GRs was also positive in the spiral ganglia and vestibular ganglia, as well as in the endolymphatic sac. The role of GRs in the inner ear is discussed.