Summary Mice lacking the vesicular glutamate transporter-3 (VGLUT3) are congenitally deaf due to loss of glutamate release at the inner hair cell afferent synapse. Cochlear delivery of VGLUT3 using adeno-associated virus-1 (AAV1) leads to transgene expression in only inner hair cells (IHC), despite broader viral uptake. Within two weeks of AAV1-VGLUT3 delivery, acoustic brainstem response (ABR) thresholds normalize, along with partial rescue of the startle response. Lastly, we demonstrate partial reversal of the morphologic changes seen within the afferent IHC ribbon synapse. These findings represent the first successful restoration of hearing by gene replacement in mice, which is an important step towards gene therapy of human deafness.

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The endoscopic technique is an effective method of achieving circumferential tracheal stenosis in the rabbit model. Advantages include simple instrumentation, an endoscopic approach, potential for decreased costs, and more reliable results.

Folic acid is a safe and effective supplement that targets large artery stiffness and may prevent isolated systolic hypertension.

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