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Merck

Roles of prostaglandin E2 in the cochlea.

Hearing research (2011-02-08)
Takayuki Nakagawa
RÉSUMÉ

Prostaglandins are one of the major groups of chemical mediators in the mammalian body. Among prostaglandins, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is the most abundant prostanoid in humans and involved in regulating many different fundamental biological functions. PGE2 signaling is mediated by four distinct E-prostanoid receptors (EPs) namely EP1-4. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates critical, but complex roles of EP signaling in the pathogenesis of neuronal diseases depending on the context of neuronal injury. Four distinct EPs are expressed in the stria vascularis, spiral ligament, spiral ganglion and organ of Corti, indicating an involvement of EP signaling in the cochlear function. Activation of EP4 in cochleae significantly attenuates noise-induced damage in cochleae, and activation of EP2 or EP4 induces the formation of vascular endothelial growth factor in cochleae. These findings strongly suggest that individual EP signaling may be involved in the maintenance of the cochlear sensory system similarly to the central nervous system. This review highlights recent findings on EP signaling in the central nervous system, and presents its possible roles in regulation of blood flow, protection of sensory cells and immune responses in cochleae.

MATÉRIAUX
Référence du produit
Marque
Description du produit

Sigma-Aldrich
Prostaglandin E2, synthetic, powder, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture
Sigma-Aldrich
Prostaglandin E2, ≥93% (HPLC), synthetic
Sigma-Aldrich
Prostaglandin E2, γ-irradiated, powder, BioXtra, suitable for cell culture
Dinoprostone, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard