No direct nuclear effect of progesterone in the inner ear: other possible pathways. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonnard, Åsa; Sahlin, Lena; Hultcrantz, Malou; Simonoska, Rusana
• Is Part Of: Acta oto-laryngologica. Volume 133:Number 12(2013)
• Page Start: 1250
• Page End: 1257
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Throat -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Electronic Resources; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; 617.8
• DOI: 10.3109/00016489.2013.825377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6489

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Conclusion:</italic> No nuclear progesterone receptors were found in human or rat stria vascularis, organ of Corti or spiral ganglion with immunohistochemistry or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Progesterone receptor B (PR-B) was found with Western blot in the cochlea, probably representing the staining in the cochlear bone. The effect of progesterone on hearing is therefore most likely not due to a direct action on the inner ear. <italic>Objectives:</italic> Studies suggest that progesterone as a component in hormone replacement therapy has a negative effect on hearing thresholds and otoacoustic emissions in pre- and postmenopausal women and mice. This study was designed to examine the presence of PRs in the cochlea of humans and rats. <italic>Methods:</italic> Immunohistochemical staining of PR protein in humans and rats, PCR of PR-B mRNA expression, and Western blot of PR-A and PR-B protein in rats was performed. <italic>Results:</italic> No nuclear staining could be found for any PR in human or rat inner ear except the PR-B staining in the cochlear bone. No mRNA expression was detected by PCR. PR-B could be detected in Western blot performed on the whole cochlea including bone.</p> </abstract>