The human endolymphatic sac has been shown recently to have immunological capacities and has thus been proposed as the main entity protecting the inner ear from pathogen invasion, equivalent to mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Although the sac expresses molecules of the innate immune system, the potential expression of members of the important mucin family has not been detailed. Thus, this paper explores endolymphatic sac expression of a number of mucins and mucin precursors. Twelve fresh tissue samples from the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during translabyrinthine surgery. The expression of Mucin 1, 2, 5B/AC and 16, as well as the core structure elements (mucin precursors) T-antigen, Tn-antigen and Sialyl-Tn-antigen was investigated by immunohistochemistry. The endolymphatic sac epithelium expressed MUC1 (both apically towards the endolymphatic sac (ES) lumen and basally towards the capillary network), MUC 16 and Tn-antigen. There was no labeling after incubation with antibodies against T-antigen, sialyl-Tn-antigen, MUC2 and MUC5B/AC. We conclude that the human endolymphatic sac epithelium expresses a number of mucin molecules, which supports the hypothesis of the sac as the primary immunological tissue structure of the inner ear, equivalent to MALT in other organs. The mucins may also play a role in the formation and continuous homeostasis of the inner ear fluids, as well as the pathogenesis of Meniere's disease.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5244465 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/joa.12559 | DOI Listing |
Front Oncol
January 2025
The Second Clinical Medicine College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China.
Introduction: Endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is a rare neoplasm that exhibits aggressive growth primarily in the endolymphatic capsule and can potentially affect nearby neurovascular structures. The diagnosis of ELST poses challenges due to its low prevalence, gradual progression, and nonspecific symptomatology. It is currently believed that prompt surgical intervention is recommended for endolymphatic sac tumors upon diagnosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Nucl Med
January 2025
From the Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-CT, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India.
Endolymphatic sac tumors (ELSTs) are rare, slow-growing, and locally aggressive neoplasms that originate from the epithelial lining of the endolymphatic duct and sac. These are characterized by their infiltrative growth pattern and the potential for local destruction of surrounding structures, including the inner ear and temporal bone. We report a case of an incidentally diagnosed sporadic ELST.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLaryngoscope
January 2025
Department of Otology and Skull Base Surgery, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Objective: Endolymphatic sac tumors (ELSTs), as rare low-grade neoplasms, are primarily treated with surgery. This study analyzes the characteristics of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) in ELSTs and their relationships with clinical features to explore the potential for immunotherapy in ELSTs.
Methods: Clinical data and tumor specimens of 10 ELSTs patients who underwent surgery were retrieved.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
December 2024
ENT Department, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Background: Meniere's disease (MD) is a disabling disease of the inner ear, having a substantial effect on a patient's quality of life. While various postulations regarding its aetiology exists, due to the difficulty with accessing inner ear tissue, there have been limited histological studies in patients with active MD.
Methods: Tissue was collected during labyrinthectomy from 8 patients with intractable MD who had failed medical therapy (22 samples), and 9 patients undergoing translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannoma (19 samples).
Cureus
November 2024
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar, IND.
Objectives: Surgical treatments for Ménière's disease differ in efficacy. Endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) is favored for its minimal risk and ability to preserve hearing. One of the main challenges in the technique is the difficulty in accurately identifying the endolymphatic duct (ED).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!