Expression of the microglial marker TMEM119 in the postnatal and adult cochlea

Introduction:

Microglia are specialized innate immune cells that play an important role in the inflammation response in the central nervous system. In this study, the expression of the microglial marker Transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119) was analyzed in the postnatal cochlea, an organ generally regarded as immune-privileged.

Methods:

Immunofluorescence staining of cryosections of the postnatal mouse cochlea, using a commercially available monoclonal anti-TMEM119 antibody.

Results:

TMEM119 protein expression was detected in the stria vascularis and, to a lesser extent, in the fibrocytes of the spiral limbus at postnatal day 3. TMEM119 expression persisted, in the adult cochlea, in the basal cells of the stria vascularis. No TMEM119 expression was shown in the organ of Corti or spiral ganglion regions.

Conclusions:

The microglial marker TMEM119 is expressed in non-sensory regions of the postnatal cochlea. The findings support the increasing evidence that the cochlear mesenchyme harbors resident immune cells. This may have important implications for inner ear biology, with regard to the cochlear response to stress and toxicity.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)