Figure 1
From: Receptor-interacting protein kinases modulate noise-induced sensory hair cell death
Noise-induced apoptotic and necrotic OHC death is modulated by inhibitors of apoptosis (ZVAD) and necrosis (Nec-1). (a) Representative images of OHC nuclei in the lower basal region of the cochlear epithelium. Control: normal OHC nuclei without prior exposure to noise. Noise: OHCs display both swollen and condensed nuclei following exposure to 106 dB SPL BBN. Noise+ZVAD: an increase in the number of swollen OHC nuclei is observed in noise-exposed mice treated with ZVAD by local delivery. Noise+Nec-1: an increase in condensed OHC nuclei appears in noise-exposed mice treated with Nec-1 by local delivery. Red: PI labeling of OHC nuclei; arrowheads: swollen necrotic nuclei; arrows: condensed apoptotic nuclei. All images are representative of five individual ears for each condition. Scale bar=10 μm. (b) Quantification of swollen or condensed OHC nuclei and missing OHCs in the lower basal turn of cochlear epithelium 1 h after noise exposure confirms a significant increase in the number of swollen nuclei and a decline in the number of condensed nuclei with local delivery of ZVAD, while administration of Nec-1 via local delivery causes the reverse effect. Data are presented as means+S.D.; n=5 for each condition; *P<0.05, **P<0.001
