11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the rat inner ear

Abstract

11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) was demonstrated specifically in the spiral ligament of the cochlear membranous labyrinth by enzyme assay, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. Other cochlear regions and the vestibular membranous labyrinth were devoid of 11 beta-HSD. Spiral ligament 11 beta-HSD exerted predominantly an oxidative activity and was NADP specific, which is similar to 11 beta-HSD in most other tissues. 11 beta-HSD was colocalized with mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid steroid receptors in the spiral ligament. 11 beta-HSD may control steroid binding to these inner ear steroid receptors and, in addition, may regulate steroid receptor binding in the adjacent stria vascularis in paracrine fashion.