Purpose:To characterizes the progression of glaucoma in DBA/2J mice by measuring intraocular pressure(IOP) and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) numbers in mice of various ages. Methods:A quantitative assessment of the pat...Purpose:To characterizes the progression of glaucoma in DBA/2J mice by measuring intraocular pressure(IOP) and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) numbers in mice of various ages. Methods:A quantitative assessment of the pathophysiology of the DBA/2J mice was performed and the C57/BL6 mice was used as control. The IOP was measured by the servo-null micropipette system; the regional patterns of the loss of RGCs were determined by cell count of retrogradely-labeled RGCs. Results:The baseline IOP for DBA/2J mice at 7 weeks was (16.6 ± 1.2)mm Hg.Then IOP increased extend to 12 months, with the peak of (25.2 ± 1.2)mm Hg at 6 months of age. Retinal ganglion cell numbers did not decrease relative to control until 12 months of age(P=0.006), when the loss was proportionally higher in peripheral regions(P<0.05). Conclusion:The elevation in IOP precedes the loss of RGCs by several months. RGCs cell loss occurs particularly in peripheral regions of the retina. These findings expand our understanding of the changes in DBA/2J mice and provide information for experiments design when they are used as a glaucoma model for future studies of RGCs degeneration in glaucoma.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Retinal microglia has been shown to reactivate in a murine model of pigmentary glaucoma. However, the relationship between microglial activation and intraocular pressure (lOP) elevation and retinal gang...BACKGROUND: Retinal microglia has been shown to reactivate in a murine model of pigmentary glaucoma. However, the relationship between microglial activation and intraocular pressure (lOP) elevation and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To verify that microglial activation and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression is involved in RGC death with elevated lOP and prolonged time of glaucomatous optic nerve lesion in a DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Eye Center, China between December 2006 and May 2008.MATEFIiALS: DBA/2J mice and C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Laboratory, USA), rat anti-mouse CD11 b monoclonal antibody (Serotec, UK), and goat anti-TNF-α polyclonal antibody (Sigma, USA) were used in this study.METHODS: A total of 100 female, DBA/2J mice at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 14 months of age (20 mice per age group) were used for the glaucoma model, and 18 C57BL/6J mice at 3, 9, 14 months of age (6 mice per age group) were used as normal controls. The anterior segment of the eye was observed using a slit-lamp biomicroscope, lOP was measured using a microneedle system. Morphology and number of retinal microglia were observed using immunohistochemistry. RGCs were quantified using Nissl staining. Co-localization of TNF-α and microglia was observed using double-labeling immunofluorescence. Excavation of the optic nerve head was observed utilizing hematoxylin-eosin staining. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following parameters were measured: lOP levels, numbers of RGCs and activated microglia, and TNF-α expression. RESULTS: In 6-month-old DBA/2J mice, dispersed pigment was observed, and some mice developed increased IOP. At 9 months of age, lOP levels reached a peak. In 3-month-old DBA/2J mice, microglia were activated. In 6-month-old DBA/2J mice, the number of activated microglia was significantly increased and migrated to the outer retinal layer. In 9-month-old mice, TNF-a expression was co-localized with microglia. Significant RGC loss occurred in mice aged 9 to 14 months, with the presence of optic nerve fiber loss and optical nerve head excavation, lOP returned to normal levels at 12 months of age, but microglia remained activated, which was consistent with RGC loss. CONCLUSION: Retinal microglial activation was partially attributed to increased lOP. Activated microglia might be mainly responsible for RGC loss. TNF-α expression was evident in the inner retinal layer. However, the relationship between TNF-α and RGC loss remains poorly understood.展开更多
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreve rsible blindness wo rldwide,and previous studies have shown that,in addition to affecting the eyes,it also causes abnormalities in the brain.However,it is not yet clear how the pr...Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreve rsible blindness wo rldwide,and previous studies have shown that,in addition to affecting the eyes,it also causes abnormalities in the brain.However,it is not yet clear how the primary visual cortex(V1)is altered in glaucoma.This study used DBA/2J mice as a model for spontaneous secondary glaucoma.The aim of the study was to compare the electrophysiological and histomorphological chara cteristics of neurons in the V1between 9-month-old DBA/2J mice and age-matched C57BL/6J mice.We conducted single-unit recordings in the V1 of light-anesthetized mice to measure the visually induced responses,including single-unit spiking and gamma band oscillations.The morphology of layerⅡ/Ⅲneurons was determined by neuronal nuclear antigen staining and Nissl staining of brain tissue sections.Eighty-seven neurons from eight DBA/2J mice and eighty-one neurons from eight C57BL/6J mice were examined.Compared with the C57BL/6J group,V1 neurons in the DBA/2J group exhibited weaker visual tuning and impaired spatial summation.Moreove r,fewer neuro ns were observed in the V1 of DBA/2J mice compared with C57BL/6J mice.These findings suggest that DBA/2J mice have fewer neurons in the VI compared with C57BL/6J mice,and that these neurons have impaired visual tuning.Our findings provide a better understanding of the pathological changes that occur in V1 neuron function and morphology in the DBA/2J mouse model.This study might offer some innovative perspectives regarding the treatment of glaucoma.展开更多
Background: The absence of a safe and effective therapy for recurrent spontaneous abortion due to a maternofetal failure in immunological tolerance remains an intractable clinical obstacle for surgeons. Recently, trad...Background: The absence of a safe and effective therapy for recurrent spontaneous abortion due to a maternofetal failure in immunological tolerance remains an intractable clinical obstacle for surgeons. Recently, traditional Chinese medicine has become a feasible alternative for certain diseases, including recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, because of the complex composition of the traditional Chinese medicine formula, its action mechanism remains unclear. Methods: We selected two isolated active ingredients (RAMP and baicalin) from the traditional Chinese medicine formula and used an abortion-prone CBA/J × DBA/2 model to simulate human RSA and compared the changes in fetal resorption rate, Treg cell percentage, and relevant cytokines before and after combination therapy. In addition, The mechanisms were preliminarily discussed using in vitro differentiation models. Results: In CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion-prone mice, the combination therapy resulted in a lower embryo resorption rate compared to that obtained with individual delivery of either RAMP or baicalin, thereby playing an embryo-protective role through the increase in Treg cells for the maintenance of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In in vitro primary cell differentiation experiments, the concentration of Treg cells significantly increased from 11% to 17.9% after the combination therapy compared to that of the single administration group. Conclusion: the synergistic effects of RAMP and baicalin were responsible for Treg differentiation. The present study provides a solid basis for improving the applicability of traditional Chinese herbs in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion.展开更多
In this study, the role of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) in the glaucoma-induced depressive behavioral response pattern was investigated. The CFP-D2 transgenic glaucoma animal model from five ...In this study, the role of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) in the glaucoma-induced depressive behavioral response pattern was investigated. The CFP-D2 transgenic glaucoma animal model from five age groups was used in this study. Immunohistochemical labeling, quantitative analysis of mRGC morphology, open field test (OFT), and statistical analysis were used. In comparison with C57 BL/6 mice, the age-matched CFP-D2 mice had significantly elevated intraocular pressure (lOP). We observed parallel morphological changes in the retina, including a reduction in the density of cyan fluorescent protein- (CFP) expressing cells (cells mm^-2 at 2 months of age, 1309±26; 14 months, 878±30, P〈0.001), mRGCs (2 months, 48_+3; 14 months, 19±4, P〈0.001), Brn3b-expressing RGCs (2 months, 1283±80; 14 months, 950±31, P〈0.001), Brn-3b expressing mRGCs (5 months, 50.17%±5.5%; 14 months, 12.61%±3.8%, P〈0.001), and reduction in the dendritic field size of mRGCs (mm^2 at 2 months, 0.077±0.015; 14 months, 0.065±0.015, P〈0.05). CFP-D2 mice had hyperactive locomotor activity patterns based on OFT findings of the total distance traveled, number of entries into the center, and time spent in the center of the testing apparatus. The glaucoma induced hyperactive response pattern could be associated with dysfunctional mRGCs, most likely Brn-3b-positive mRGCs in CFP-D2 mice.展开更多
Objective:The effect of QingguanganⅡon the transcription of RhoA mRNA,ROCK mRNA,Caspase-3 mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in the retina of DBA/2J mice was observed.Methods:Forty-eight DBA/2J mice were randomly divided into six g...Objective:The effect of QingguanganⅡon the transcription of RhoA mRNA,ROCK mRNA,Caspase-3 mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in the retina of DBA/2J mice was observed.Methods:Forty-eight DBA/2J mice were randomly divided into six groups:model groups,Qingguangan II decoction group,low concentration,medium concentration and high concentration group of Qingguangan II effective ingredient and positive control group(Yimaikang tablet group),and eight C57BL/6 mice were used as blank group,DBA/2J mice were fed until 38 weeks before forming a glaucoma model,The transcription of RhoA mRNA,ROCK mRNA,Caspase-3 mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in the retinal of DBA/2J mice was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(Quantitative Real-time PCR)after 4 weeks of intervention.Results:Four weeks after the intervention,In the transcription of the RhoA mRNA,ROCK mRNA and the Caspase-3 mRNA,Compared to the blank groups,Relative expression was increased in the other 6 groups,There are statistical differences in the model group,Yimaikang tablet group and low concentration group(P<0.05);In comparison to the model groups,The other 6 groups were lower than the model group,Among them,there are statistical differences between the effective groups of Qingguangan II decoction and high concentration group of Qingguangan II effective ingredient in RhoA mRNA transcription(P<0.05);In the transcription of the ROCK mRNA and the Caspase-3 mRNA,Statistics have differences between the model group and the effective component of the medium and high concentration group(P<0.05);In the Bcl-2 mRNA transcription,Compare them to blank groups,Relexpression expression decreased in the other 6 groups,Statistics have differences between model group,Qingguangan II decoction group and low concentration groups(P<0.05);The relative expression of Bcl-2 mRNA in high concentration group of effective component is higher than that of the model group,There are differences in statistics(P<0.05).Conclusion:The high concentration of QingguanganⅡprescription probably attenuated Caspase-3 transcription in retinal ganglion cells by inhibiting the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway and activated Bcl-2 expression by inhibiting ROCK signaling,which attenuated apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells.展开更多
K^(+)cycling in the cochlea is critical to maintain hearing.Many sodium-potassium pumps are proved to participate in K^(+)cycling,such as Na/K-ATPase.Theα2-Na/K-ATPase is an important isoform of Na/K-ATPase.The expre...K^(+)cycling in the cochlea is critical to maintain hearing.Many sodium-potassium pumps are proved to participate in K^(+)cycling,such as Na/K-ATPase.Theα2-Na/K-ATPase is an important isoform of Na/K-ATPase.The expression ofα2-Na/K-ATPase in the cochlea is not clear.In this study,we used C57BL/6 mice as a model of presbycusis and implemented immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative real time-PCR,and theα2-Na/K-ATPase expression pattern was confirmed in the inner ear.It was foundα2-Na/K-ATPase was expressed widely in cochlea and its mRNA and protein expression was gradually reduced with aging(4-,14-,26-and 48-weeks old mice).We suspected that,the down-regulation ofα2-Na/K-ATPase expression might be associated with the remodeling of K^(+)cycling,degeneration of morphological structure and decrease of hearing function in aging C57 mice.In conclusion,we speculated that the reduction ofα2-Na/K-ATPase might play an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related hearing loss.展开更多
基金This work was supported by Guangdong Scientific researchfund (NO. 2006J1-C0051)
文摘Purpose:To characterizes the progression of glaucoma in DBA/2J mice by measuring intraocular pressure(IOP) and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) numbers in mice of various ages. Methods:A quantitative assessment of the pathophysiology of the DBA/2J mice was performed and the C57/BL6 mice was used as control. The IOP was measured by the servo-null micropipette system; the regional patterns of the loss of RGCs were determined by cell count of retrogradely-labeled RGCs. Results:The baseline IOP for DBA/2J mice at 7 weeks was (16.6 ± 1.2)mm Hg.Then IOP increased extend to 12 months, with the peak of (25.2 ± 1.2)mm Hg at 6 months of age. Retinal ganglion cell numbers did not decrease relative to control until 12 months of age(P=0.006), when the loss was proportionally higher in peripheral regions(P<0.05). Conclusion:The elevation in IOP precedes the loss of RGCs by several months. RGCs cell loss occurs particularly in peripheral regions of the retina. These findings expand our understanding of the changes in DBA/2J mice and provide information for experiments design when they are used as a glaucoma model for future studies of RGCs degeneration in glaucoma.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30571986the Research Fund from Peking University Third Hospital
文摘BACKGROUND: Retinal microglia has been shown to reactivate in a murine model of pigmentary glaucoma. However, the relationship between microglial activation and intraocular pressure (lOP) elevation and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To verify that microglial activation and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression is involved in RGC death with elevated lOP and prolonged time of glaucomatous optic nerve lesion in a DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University Eye Center, China between December 2006 and May 2008.MATEFIiALS: DBA/2J mice and C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Laboratory, USA), rat anti-mouse CD11 b monoclonal antibody (Serotec, UK), and goat anti-TNF-α polyclonal antibody (Sigma, USA) were used in this study.METHODS: A total of 100 female, DBA/2J mice at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 14 months of age (20 mice per age group) were used for the glaucoma model, and 18 C57BL/6J mice at 3, 9, 14 months of age (6 mice per age group) were used as normal controls. The anterior segment of the eye was observed using a slit-lamp biomicroscope, lOP was measured using a microneedle system. Morphology and number of retinal microglia were observed using immunohistochemistry. RGCs were quantified using Nissl staining. Co-localization of TNF-α and microglia was observed using double-labeling immunofluorescence. Excavation of the optic nerve head was observed utilizing hematoxylin-eosin staining. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following parameters were measured: lOP levels, numbers of RGCs and activated microglia, and TNF-α expression. RESULTS: In 6-month-old DBA/2J mice, dispersed pigment was observed, and some mice developed increased IOP. At 9 months of age, lOP levels reached a peak. In 3-month-old DBA/2J mice, microglia were activated. In 6-month-old DBA/2J mice, the number of activated microglia was significantly increased and migrated to the outer retinal layer. In 9-month-old mice, TNF-a expression was co-localized with microglia. Significant RGC loss occurred in mice aged 9 to 14 months, with the presence of optic nerve fiber loss and optical nerve head excavation, lOP returned to normal levels at 12 months of age, but microglia remained activated, which was consistent with RGC loss. CONCLUSION: Retinal microglial activation was partially attributed to increased lOP. Activated microglia might be mainly responsible for RGC loss. TNF-α expression was evident in the inner retinal layer. However, the relationship between TNF-α and RGC loss remains poorly understood.
基金supported by the STI 2030-Major Projects 2022ZD0208500(to DY)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82072011(to YX),82121003(to DY),82271120(to YS)+2 种基金Sichuan Science and Technology Program,No.2022ZYD0066(to YS)a grant from Chinese Academy of Medical Science,No.2019-12M-5-032(to YS)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,No.ZYGX2021YGLH219(to KC)。
文摘Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreve rsible blindness wo rldwide,and previous studies have shown that,in addition to affecting the eyes,it also causes abnormalities in the brain.However,it is not yet clear how the primary visual cortex(V1)is altered in glaucoma.This study used DBA/2J mice as a model for spontaneous secondary glaucoma.The aim of the study was to compare the electrophysiological and histomorphological chara cteristics of neurons in the V1between 9-month-old DBA/2J mice and age-matched C57BL/6J mice.We conducted single-unit recordings in the V1 of light-anesthetized mice to measure the visually induced responses,including single-unit spiking and gamma band oscillations.The morphology of layerⅡ/Ⅲneurons was determined by neuronal nuclear antigen staining and Nissl staining of brain tissue sections.Eighty-seven neurons from eight DBA/2J mice and eighty-one neurons from eight C57BL/6J mice were examined.Compared with the C57BL/6J group,V1 neurons in the DBA/2J group exhibited weaker visual tuning and impaired spatial summation.Moreove r,fewer neuro ns were observed in the V1 of DBA/2J mice compared with C57BL/6J mice.These findings suggest that DBA/2J mice have fewer neurons in the VI compared with C57BL/6J mice,and that these neurons have impaired visual tuning.Our findings provide a better understanding of the pathological changes that occur in V1 neuron function and morphology in the DBA/2J mouse model.This study might offer some innovative perspectives regarding the treatment of glaucoma.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81973221)National Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China(81603647)+2 种基金the Women and Children Health Talent Project of Jiangsu Province(FRC201785)the Chinese Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Obstetrics,Gynecology,and Reproduction in Jiangsu Province(ZX202102)the Women and Children Health Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(F202206).
文摘Background: The absence of a safe and effective therapy for recurrent spontaneous abortion due to a maternofetal failure in immunological tolerance remains an intractable clinical obstacle for surgeons. Recently, traditional Chinese medicine has become a feasible alternative for certain diseases, including recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, because of the complex composition of the traditional Chinese medicine formula, its action mechanism remains unclear. Methods: We selected two isolated active ingredients (RAMP and baicalin) from the traditional Chinese medicine formula and used an abortion-prone CBA/J × DBA/2 model to simulate human RSA and compared the changes in fetal resorption rate, Treg cell percentage, and relevant cytokines before and after combination therapy. In addition, The mechanisms were preliminarily discussed using in vitro differentiation models. Results: In CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion-prone mice, the combination therapy resulted in a lower embryo resorption rate compared to that obtained with individual delivery of either RAMP or baicalin, thereby playing an embryo-protective role through the increase in Treg cells for the maintenance of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In in vitro primary cell differentiation experiments, the concentration of Treg cells significantly increased from 11% to 17.9% after the combination therapy compared to that of the single administration group. Conclusion: the synergistic effects of RAMP and baicalin were responsible for Treg differentiation. The present study provides a solid basis for improving the applicability of traditional Chinese herbs in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (2009CB320900 to Pu MingLiang,2011CB510206 to Pu MingLiangand Gao Jie)National Natural Science Foundation of China(30831160516 to Pu MingLiang)+2 种基金NIH EY04067 (N.C. Brecha)VAMerit Review (N.C. Brecha).supported by a summer fellowship from the PKU-UCLA Joint Research Institute
文摘In this study, the role of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) in the glaucoma-induced depressive behavioral response pattern was investigated. The CFP-D2 transgenic glaucoma animal model from five age groups was used in this study. Immunohistochemical labeling, quantitative analysis of mRGC morphology, open field test (OFT), and statistical analysis were used. In comparison with C57 BL/6 mice, the age-matched CFP-D2 mice had significantly elevated intraocular pressure (lOP). We observed parallel morphological changes in the retina, including a reduction in the density of cyan fluorescent protein- (CFP) expressing cells (cells mm^-2 at 2 months of age, 1309±26; 14 months, 878±30, P〈0.001), mRGCs (2 months, 48_+3; 14 months, 19±4, P〈0.001), Brn3b-expressing RGCs (2 months, 1283±80; 14 months, 950±31, P〈0.001), Brn-3b expressing mRGCs (5 months, 50.17%±5.5%; 14 months, 12.61%±3.8%, P〈0.001), and reduction in the dendritic field size of mRGCs (mm^2 at 2 months, 0.077±0.015; 14 months, 0.065±0.015, P〈0.05). CFP-D2 mice had hyperactive locomotor activity patterns based on OFT findings of the total distance traveled, number of entries into the center, and time spent in the center of the testing apparatus. The glaucoma induced hyperactive response pattern could be associated with dysfunctional mRGCs, most likely Brn-3b-positive mRGCs in CFP-D2 mice.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81874492,81904260)The Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Provin cial(No.2020JJ5436,2018JJ3389)+4 种基金The open Foundation of Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chin Med(No.2018YZD03)The open Foundation of Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chin Med,National Administration of Traditional Chin Med Key Discipline Construction Project of Ophthalmology of Traditional Chin MedProject funded by the Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chin MedKey Disciplines in Local Universities Supported by Central Government Funds the Construction Projects of TCM Ophthalmology Innovation TeamHunan Provincial Construction Project of Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chin Med and Visual Function Protection Engineering and Technological Research Center.
文摘Objective:The effect of QingguanganⅡon the transcription of RhoA mRNA,ROCK mRNA,Caspase-3 mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in the retina of DBA/2J mice was observed.Methods:Forty-eight DBA/2J mice were randomly divided into six groups:model groups,Qingguangan II decoction group,low concentration,medium concentration and high concentration group of Qingguangan II effective ingredient and positive control group(Yimaikang tablet group),and eight C57BL/6 mice were used as blank group,DBA/2J mice were fed until 38 weeks before forming a glaucoma model,The transcription of RhoA mRNA,ROCK mRNA,Caspase-3 mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA in the retinal of DBA/2J mice was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(Quantitative Real-time PCR)after 4 weeks of intervention.Results:Four weeks after the intervention,In the transcription of the RhoA mRNA,ROCK mRNA and the Caspase-3 mRNA,Compared to the blank groups,Relative expression was increased in the other 6 groups,There are statistical differences in the model group,Yimaikang tablet group and low concentration group(P<0.05);In comparison to the model groups,The other 6 groups were lower than the model group,Among them,there are statistical differences between the effective groups of Qingguangan II decoction and high concentration group of Qingguangan II effective ingredient in RhoA mRNA transcription(P<0.05);In the transcription of the ROCK mRNA and the Caspase-3 mRNA,Statistics have differences between the model group and the effective component of the medium and high concentration group(P<0.05);In the Bcl-2 mRNA transcription,Compare them to blank groups,Relexpression expression decreased in the other 6 groups,Statistics have differences between model group,Qingguangan II decoction group and low concentration groups(P<0.05);The relative expression of Bcl-2 mRNA in high concentration group of effective component is higher than that of the model group,There are differences in statistics(P<0.05).Conclusion:The high concentration of QingguanganⅡprescription probably attenuated Caspase-3 transcription in retinal ganglion cells by inhibiting the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway and activated Bcl-2 expression by inhibiting ROCK signaling,which attenuated apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81771004,81271078,81500791,81500794 and 81300827).
文摘K^(+)cycling in the cochlea is critical to maintain hearing.Many sodium-potassium pumps are proved to participate in K^(+)cycling,such as Na/K-ATPase.Theα2-Na/K-ATPase is an important isoform of Na/K-ATPase.The expression ofα2-Na/K-ATPase in the cochlea is not clear.In this study,we used C57BL/6 mice as a model of presbycusis and implemented immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative real time-PCR,and theα2-Na/K-ATPase expression pattern was confirmed in the inner ear.It was foundα2-Na/K-ATPase was expressed widely in cochlea and its mRNA and protein expression was gradually reduced with aging(4-,14-,26-and 48-weeks old mice).We suspected that,the down-regulation ofα2-Na/K-ATPase expression might be associated with the remodeling of K^(+)cycling,degeneration of morphological structure and decrease of hearing function in aging C57 mice.In conclusion,we speculated that the reduction ofα2-Na/K-ATPase might play an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related hearing loss.