Plasma Membrane Modulation of Ampullar Dark Cells by Corticosteroids

Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Inner Ear

“…Although no morphologic changes except extension of Reissner's membrane were observed in the present study under a light microscope, there is some evidence that changes in levels of circulating adrenal steroids influence the inner ear ultrastructurally as well as functionally (29)(30)(31)(32). An increase in the intercellular space and a decrease in basolateral infoldings in the stria vascularis and dark cells of the vestibular epithelium were observed in adrenalectomized animals (29,30).…”

“…An increase in the intercellular space and a decrease in basolateral infoldings in the stria vascularis and dark cells of the vestibular epithelium were observed in adrenalectomized animals (29,30). Furthermore, the restoration of circulating adrenocorticosteroids levels resulted in recovery of the cellular architecture of the stria vascularis and dark cells of the vestibular epithelium in adrenalectomized animals (31,32). These findings provide indirect evidence that adrenal steroids are involved in the cellular regulations of inner ear tissues concerned with fluid and ionic microhomeostasis.…”

Appearance of Glucocorticoid Receptors in the Inner Ear of the Mouse during Development

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Endolymphatic Sodium Homeostasis by Extramacular Epithelium of the Saccule

“…The mineralocorticoid signaling system has perhaps received the most attention with respect to regulation of epithelial Na ϩ transport genes in the kidney and other tissues (Bhargava and Pearce, 2004). Indeed, there have been studies that have investigated this pathway in the inner ear (ten Cate and Rarey, 1991;Pitovski et al, 1993b;Trune et al, 2006).…”