Detection and regulation of Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD in rat cochlear tissues.

Relative levels of copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) and manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in individual cochlear tissues were detected by the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A heterogeneous distribution of Cu/Zn-SOD was observed in the individual tissues of control animals: high levels were measured in the stria vascularis (SV), intermediate levels of enzyme were measured in the spiral ligament (SL), and low levels were measured in the organ of Corti region (OC); collectively, these levels were not statistically significant (P = 0.0645). Levels of Mn-SOD in individual tissues of the control group were statistically significant (P < 0.05): high levels were measured in the SV, medium levels were detected in the SL, and low levels were identified in the OC. Following the administration of methylprednisolone (MP), a significant reduction of Cu/Zn-SOD in the SV (P < 0.05) and a non-significant, but noticeable, increase (> 30%) of Mn-SOD in the OC were observed. These results indicate that levels of SOD are tissue specific and that SOD is subject to glucorticoid regulation.