Recent Advances in Laser Microprobe Mass Analysis (LAMMA) of Inner Ear Tissue

Maintenance of ionic gradients within the various fluids compartments of the inner ear requires transport active cellular systems at different locations. LAMMA analysis is ideally suited for detection of ions in microquantity on cellular levels overcoming many technical difficulties. The present paper summarizes the results of microprobe analysis obtained with laser induced mass spectrometry (LAMMA) supplemented by X-ray microprobe analysis of epithelial cell layers adjacent to the endolymphatic space (a) in the cochlear duct, (b) in the vestibular organ and (c) in the endolymphatic sac. The possible role of inner ear as well as ocular melanin in the mechanisms of active ion transport is discussed

Isolation of an aminoglycoside receptor from guinea pig inner ear tissues and kidney

Affinity chromatography was used to isolate aminoglycoside receptors from inner ear tissues and kidney. Neomycin was immobilized on glass beads and served as the stationary phase in column chromatography. Fractionation of an organic tissue extract on this matrix demonstrated two components with high affinity for neomycin: phosphatidyl inositol phosphate and phosphatidyl inositol diphosphate. The toxicity of aminoglycosides is explained on the basis of a drug-interaction with these lipids.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47260/1/405_2004_Article_BF00455236.pd