CONCLUSION: As we demonstrated previously that transcription of alpha-ENaC was correlated with oxygen tension in the culture medium, this study suggests that the increase in alpha-ENaC expression observed under ALI conditions may result from greater oxygenation of ME cells. OBJECTIVE: The physiology of the middle ear (ME) is primarily concerned with keeping the cavities fluid-free, to allow transmission of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. ME epithelial cells are thought to play a key role in this process as they actively absorb sodium and water in order to clear any excess fluid present in the cavities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As an air-liquid interface (ALI) model has been shown to improve differentiation and enhance sodium absorption in other respiratory epithelia, we established an ALI model for ME cells. RESULTS: ME cells cultured under ALI conditions exhibited a fourfold increase in sodium absorption, which was not related to either a metabolic effect or to enhanced morphological differentiation, but instead to an increase in expression of the alpha-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (alpha-ENaC).
CONCLUSION: As we demonstrated previously that transcription of alpha-ENaC was correlated with oxygen tension in the culture medium, this study suggests that the increase in alpha-ENaC expression observed under ALI conditions may result from greater oxygenation of ME cells. OBJECTIVE: The physiology of the middle ear (ME) is primarily concerned with keeping the cavities fluid-free, to allow transmission of sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. ME epithelial cells are thought to play a key role in this process as they actively absorb sodium and water in order to clear any excess fluid present in the cavities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As an air-liquid interface (ALI) model has been shown to improve differentiation and enhance sodium absorption in other respiratory epithelia, we established an ALI model for ME cells. RESULTS: ME cells cultured under ALI conditions exhibited a fourfold increase in sodium absorption, which was not related to either a metabolic effect or to enhanced morphological differentiation, but instead to an increase in expression of the alpha-subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (alpha-ENaC).
Authors: Andrea Ravasio; Nina Hobi; Cristina Bertocchi; Alexander Jesacher; Paul Dietl; Thomas Haller Journal: Am J Physiol Cell Physiol Date: 2011-01-26 Impact factor: 4.249
Authors: Apoorva Mulay; Khondoker M Akram; Debbie Williams; Hannah Armes; Catherine Russell; Derek Hood; Stuart Armstrong; James P Stewart; Steve D M Brown; Lynne Bingle; Colin D Bingle Journal: Dis Model Mech Date: 2016-09-22 Impact factor: 5.758