Neural Crest Stem Cells in Juvenile Angiofibromas

The etiology of juvenile angiofibroma (JA) has been a controversial topic for more than 160 years. Numerous theories have been proposed to explain this rare benign neoplasm arising predominately in adolescent males, focusing mainly on either the vascular or fibrous component. To assess our hypothesis of JA’s being a malformation arising from neural crest cells/remnants of the first branchial arch plexus, we performed immunohistochemical analyses of neural crest stem cells (NCSC) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) candidates. Immunoexpression of the NCSC marker CD271p75 was observed in all investigated JA’s (n = 22), mainly around the pathological vessels. Close to CD271p75-positive cells, high MMP3-staining was also observed. Additionally, from one JA with sufficient material, RT-qPCR identified differences in the expression pattern of PDGFRβ, MMP2 and MMP3 in MACS®-separated CD271p75positive vs. CD271p75 negative cell fractions. Our results, together with the consideration of the literature, provide evidence that JA’s represent a malformation within the first branchial arch artery/plexus remnants deriving from NCSC. This theory would explain the typical site of tumor origin as well as the characteristic tumor blood supply, whereas the process of EMT provides an explanation for the vascular and fibrous tumor component

Optoacoustically induced auditory brainstem responses in the mouse model enhanced through an absorbing film

Significance: Optoacoustic stimulation offers an alternative stimulation strategy for the hearing organ. To serve as the base for a novel auditory prosthesis, the optoacoustic stimulation must be biocompatible and energy-saving. Aim: Enhancing the efficiency of optoacoustic stimulation while reducing the energy input in a suited animal model. Approach: Optoacoustically induced auditory brainstem responses (oABRs) were recorded after the pulsed laser irradiation of the tympanic membrane (TM) in mice. The results were compared with the ABRs induced through acoustic click stimulation. In addition, self-adhesive absorbing films were applied on the TM before the optoacoustic stimulation to investigate their effect on the resulting ABRs. Results: Using an absorbing film on the TM during optical stimulation led to considerably enhanced oABR wave I amplitude values compared with the stimulation of the bare TM. When using our stimulation strategy, we induced oABR waves in the 50% to 60% range of the acoustical stimulation reached with 80-dB SPL click stimuli. Conclusions: The mouse model can be used for certain developmental work for an optoacoustic auditory prosthesis. Using absorbing films on the TM during optical stimulation considerably enhances oABR wave I amplitude. Optimization of the stimulation strategy could further enhance the efficiency within biocompatibility margins

Immunohistochemistry Reveals TRPC Channels in the Human Hearing Organ : A Novel CT-Guided Approach to the Cochlea

TRPC channels are critical players in cochlear hair cells and sensory neurons, as demonstrated in animal experiments. However, evidence for TRPC expression in the human cochlea is still lacking. This reflects the logistic and practical difficulties in obtaining human cochleae. The purpose of this study was to detect TRPC6, TRPC5 and TRPC3 in the human cochlea. Temporal bone pairs were excised from ten body donors, and the inner ear was first assessed based on computed tomography scans. Decalcification was then performed using 20% EDTA solutions. Immunohistochemistry with knockout-tested antibodies followed. The organ of Corti, the stria vascularis, the spiral lamina, spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear nerves were specifically stained. This unique report of TRPC channels in the human cochlea supports the hypothesis of the potentially critical role of TRPC channels in human cochlear health and disease which has been suggested in previous rodent experiments

A Self-Adhesive Elastomeric Wound Scaffold for Sensitive Adhesion to Tissue

Pressure sensitive adhesives based on silicone materials are used particularly for skin adhesion, e.g., the fixation of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes or wound dressings. However, adhesion to sensitive tissue structures is not sufficiently addressed due to the risk of damage or rupture. We propose an approach in which a poly-(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based soft skin adhesive (SSA) acts as cellular scaffold for wound healing. Due to the intrinsically low surface free energy of silicone elastomers, functionalization strategies are needed to promote the attachment and spreading of eukaryotic cells. In the present work, the effect of physical adsorption of three different proteins on the adhesive properties of the soft skin adhesive was investigated. Fibronectin adsorption slightly affects adhesion but significantly improves the cellular interaction of L929 murine fibroblasts with the polymeric surface. Composite films were successfully attached to explanted tympanic membranes. This demonstrates the potential of protein functionalized SSA to act as an adhesive scaffold in delicate biomedical applications

Erste Erfahrungen mit TINNELEC, ein Implantat für die Therapie von chronischem Tinnitus [meeting abstract]

Meeting Abstract : 82. Jahresversammlung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie. Freiburg i. Br., 01.-05.06.2011. Ca. 3 Millionen Erwachsene in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland leiden unter Tinnitus, wobei eine bei jedem dieser Patienten zur Heilung führende Therapie bisher noch nicht existiert. Ansatzpunkt einer neuartigen Therapie ist die Wiederherstellung des normalen elektrischen Entladungsmusters im Hörnerv mittels elektrischer Stimulation. Hiermit berichten wir über unsere ersten Erfahrungen mit dem Tinnelec, einem Implantat mit einer einzelnen Stimulations-Elektrode die in der Rundfensternische platziert wird. Zurzeit haben wir 4 einseitig ertaubten Patienten mit Tinnitus auf dem betroffenen Ohr jeweils ein Tinnelec-System implantiert. Die Dauer des Tinnitus betrug mindestens ein Jahr und gängige Tinnitus-Therapien wie z.B. Infusionstherapie waren erfolglos geblieben. Ein psychogener Tinnitus wurde ausgeschlossen. Der durch den Tinnitus verursachte Leidensdruck wurde anhand einer VAS Scala (Visuelle Analog Scala) und eines Tinnitus-Handicap-Inventory (THI) Fragebogens beurteilt. Die Reizapplikation betrug mind. 4 Stunden täglich. Als Stimulationsparameter wurde eine Reizmusterannäherung an den Tinnitus angestrebt. Bei drei Patienten wurde unter der Stimulation der Tinnitus erträglicher, eine zeitweise komplette Unterdrückung des Tinnitus schon innerhalb der ersten Therapie-Wochen wurde jedoch nur in einem der Fälle berichtet. Diese Ergebnisse wurden auch durch das THI und VAS unterstützt. Die Tinnelec-Implantation erscheint für Tinnitus Erfolg versprechend zu sein. Weitere Studien bei Tinnitus-Patienten ohne zusätzliche Hörbeeinträchtigung sind jedoch notwendig bis endgültige Schlussfolgerungen betreffend dieses Implantats gezogen werden können. In jedem Fall bleibt die Option einer Cochlea-Implantation im selben Ohr, nach Explantation des Tinnelec, bestehen

Cochlea-Specific Deletion of Cav1.3 Calcium Channels Arrests Inner Hair Cell Differentiation and Unravels Pitfalls of Conditional Mouse Models

Inner hair cell (IHC) Cav1.3 Ca2+ channels are multifunctional channels mediating Ca2+ influx for exocytosis at ribbon synapses, the generation of Ca2+ action potentials in pre-hearing IHCs and gene expression. IHCs of deaf systemic Cav1.3-deficient (Cav1.3-/-) mice stay immature because they fail to up-regulate voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels but persistently express small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK2) channels. In pre-hearing wildtype mice, cholinergic neurons from the superior olivary complex (SOC) exert efferent inhibition onto spontaneously active immature IHCs by activating their SK2 channels. Because Cav1.3 plays an important role for survival, health and function of SOC neurons, SK2 channel persistence and lack of BK channels in systemic Cav1.3-/- IHCs may result from malfunctioning neurons of the SOC. Here we analyze cochlea-specific Cav1.3 knockout mice with green fluorescent protein (GFP) switch reporter function, Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/flexand Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/-. Profound hearing loss, lack of BK channels and persistence of SK2 channels in Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/- mice recapitulated the phenotype of systemic Cav1.3-/- mice, indicating that in wildtype mice, regulation of SK2 and BK channel expression is independent of Cav1.3 expression in SOC neurons. In addition, we noticed dose-dependent GFP toxicity leading to death of basal coil IHCs of Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/flex mice, likely because of high GFP concentration and small repair capacity. This and the slower time course of Pax2-driven Cre recombinase in switching two rather than one Cacna1d-eGFPflex allele lead us to study Pax2::cre;Cacna1d-eGFPflex/- mice. Notably, control Cacna1d-eGFPflex/- IHCs showed a significant reduction in Cav1.3 channel cluster sizes and currents, suggesting that the intronic construct interfered with gene translation or splicing. These pitfalls are likely to be a frequent problem of many genetically modified mice with complex or multiple gene-targeting constructs or fluorescent proteins. Great caution and appropriate controls are therefore required

Alterations in pathogen-specific cellular and humoral immunity associated with acute peripheral facial palsy of infectious origin

Background Peripheral facial palsy (PFP) is a common neurologic symptom which can be triggered by pathogens, autoimmunity, trauma, tumors, cholesteatoma or further local conditions disturbing the peripheral section of the nerve. In general, its cause is often difcult to identify, remaining unknown in over two thirds of cases. As we have previously shown that the quantity and quality of pathogen-specifc T cells change during active infections, we hypothesized that such changes may also help to identify the causative pathogen in PFPs of unknown origin. Methods In this observational study, pathogen-specifc T cells were quantifed in blood samples of 55 patients with PFP and 23 healthy controls after stimulation with antigens from varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes-simplex viruses (HSV) or borrelia. T cells were further characterized by expression of the inhibitory surface molecule CTLA-4, as well as markers for diferentiation (CD27) and proliferation (Ki67). Pathogen-specifc antibody responses were analyzed using ELISA. Results were compared with conventional diagnostics. Results Patients with PFP were more often HSV-seropositive than controls (p=0.0003), whereas VZV- and borreliaspecifc antibodies did not difer between groups. Although the quantity and general phenotypical characteristics of antigen-specifc T cells did not difer either, expression of CTLA-4 and Ki67 was highly increased in VZV-specifc T cells of 9 PFP patients, of which 5 showed typical signs of cutaneous zoster. In the remaining 4 patients, a causal relationship with VZV was possible but remained unclear by clinical standard diagnostics. A similar CTLA-4- and Ki67- expression profle of borrelia-specifc T cells was also found in a patient with acute neuroborreliosis. Discussion In conclusion, the high prevalence of HSV-seropositivity among PFP-patients may indicate an underestimation of HSV-involvement in PFP, even though HSV-specifc T cell characteristics seem insufcient to identify HSV as a causative agent. In contrast, striking alterations in VZV- and borrelia-specifc T cell phenotype and function may allow identifcation of VZV- and borrelia-triggered PFPs. If confrmed in larger studies, antigen-specifc immune-phenotyping may have the potential to improve specifcity of the clinical diagnosis

Nonpathologic Factors Influencing Auditory Brainstem Potentials Recorded Using the Time-Course-Step Stimulus Algorithm in Newborn Infants

Einleitung: Die BERAphon® Untersuchung ist ein geeignetes Messverfahren für das universelle Hörscreening bei Neugeborenen. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es zu beurteilen, inwiefern die nichtpathologischen Faktoren die Messergebnisse der BERAphon®-Untersuchung beeinflussen. Methode: Der Zeitgangreiz besteht aus jeweils 6, in 5ms Abstand aufeinanderfolgenden Klicks, mit in 10dB Schritten aufsteigender Intensität. [Finkenzeller, 1984]. Im Rahmen eines universellen Hörscreening bei Neugeborenen wurden die Ergebnisse der BERAphon®-Untersuchung an 415 gesunden Neugeborenen analysiert. Gesucht wurde nach möglichen Korrelationen zwischen der Latenz der Welle V, dem Geschlecht, der Schwangerschafts-dauer, dem Alter des Kindes, des Apgar-Score, dem Kopfumfang und des Nabelschnur-pH. Ergebnisse: Die Schwangerschaftsdauer und der Kopfumfang korrelierten signifikant mit der Latenzzeit der Welle V. Im Gegensatz zu vorausgegangenen Studien korrelierte auch der Nabelschnur-pH signifikant mit der absoluten Latenz der Welle V. Keine Korrelation fand sich zwischen der Latenz der Welle V und Faktoren wie Geschlecht, Alter des Kindes und dem Apgar-Score . Schlussfolgerung: Die Latenz der Welle V, gemessen mit dem die BERAphon®, wird nur in sehr geringem Maß von der Schwangerschaftsdauer und dem Kopfumfang beeinflusst. Darüber hinaus kann aus dem Messergebnis im Rahmen des Neugeborenen Hörscreening zusätzlich Information über den Reifungsgrad der Hörbahn gewonnen werden.Introduction: A new method of recording Brainstem Auditory Potentials in Newborn Infants is using the time course step stimulus algorithm developed by Finkenzeller, 1994. The purpose of this investigation was to study the influence of nonpathologic factors in new-born infants on the auditory brainstem response (ABR) recorded using the time-course-step stimulus algorithm. This algorithm depends on applying stimulus at a very high rate allowing threshold determination in a very short time (Shehata-Dieler er al, 2000). Material and Methods: Within the framework of a universal new born hearing screening program, 415 new-borns, 202 males and 213 females, were examined using the CRESCENDO® Hearing Screener (Finkenzeller, 1994) based on a clinical ABR system operating with a time-course-step stimulus algorithm. ABR is elicited using click sequences. Each sequence consists of 6 clicks rising in intensity from 10 to 60 dB. The inter-stimulus interval within a sequence is 5 ms. The sequences repetition rate is 14/s. The stimulus is delivered through a special head phone with integrated recording electrodes. 500-1000 sweeps were averaged for each measure. The measurements were performed on one ear in normal infants (N = 388 infants) and on both ears in infants treated on intermediate-care unit (N = 27 infants). The age of the infants ranged from 9 hours to 17 day at the time of the measurement. The influence of gender, gestational age, chronological age, Apgar scores at 0 , 5, 10 minutes, umbilical-cord-pH and head circumference on the absolute latency of wave V at 40dB were analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results: The “pass”-criteria for the test were clear visible and reproducible peak V at 40dB The mean (± standard deviation) latency of wave V in female new-borns ( 8,38± 0,482 ms) was shorter than in male new-borns (8,47+/- 0,47 ms) but the gender did not significantly correlate with the wave V latency T= -1,05. The chronological age did not correlate significantly with wave V latency T=-1,29 . A significant correlation was found between the gestation age and wave V latency T= -5,33. No correlation was found between wave V latency and Apgar-score at 0 min. T=0,05; 5min. T=-1,27; 10 min. T=-0,44 . The head circumference showed to correlate significantly with the absolute latency of wave V , T= 2,82. Contrary to previous reports [Moya 1989] the pH of the umbilical-cord was also found to significantly correlate with the absolute latency of wave V, T=0,13. Conclusions: Gestation age and head circumference are measures for the maturation of the infant, and accordingly measures for the maturation of the auditory pathway. This can explain the shorter wave V latency with increasing gestation age [Starr et al. 1977; Buchwald et al. 1990]. At the same time the growing head circumference makes the hearing pathway longer resulting the positive correlation with the wave V age [Johnston et al. 1992] Opposed to [Maurizi et al. 1986] no correlation was found between wave V latency and the chronological age of the new-borns. This can be due to the design of this study. Each infant was measured only once which makes it difficult to judge on the development of the auditory pathway during the first days to weeks. Opposed to Moya et al. 1989, the umbilical-cord pH showed to correlate significantly positive with wave V latency. An explanation for this result could be that “limited” hypoxia during the gestation stimulates the development of the foetus [Wenderlein et al. 1994] and so shortens the conducting time through the auditory pathway. The results of this study showed that ABR recorded using the time-course-step stimulus algorithm offers a reliable measure for the maturation of the auditory pathway and can be used as a tool for universal hearing screening in new-born