Biomedical subjects

Y Masuda

Publications and source records attributed to Y Masuda.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Difference in security of stent jail between Palmaz-Schatz, NIR, and Multi-Link stents: the effect of balloon inflation through stent struts.

After placing a stent in the main vessel of a bifurcation lesion, it is often necessary to perform further balloon inflation or stent placement through the stent struts in order to treat a lesion of the secondary vessel or side branch. This balloon inflation with dilatation through the cells of the stent in the main vessel results in stent strut disfigurement. This disfigurement causes various degrees of stenosis within the main vessel secondary to stent strut deformity. The degree of strut deformity, and therefore stenosis, may vary significantly depending on stent design and structure. A model of a bifurcation lesion with an angle of 45 degrees was created from acrylic resin. The diameters of the main vessel and the secondary vessel were both 3.5 mm. Deployment of the Palmaz-Schatz stent (PS, n = 5), NIR stent (n = 5), or Multi-Link stent (n = 5) was performed in the main vessel with a 3.5-mm balloon catheter inflated to 6 atm. A second 3.5-mm balloon catheter was then inflated to 6 atm through the stent struts of the main vessel and into the ostium of the secondary vessel. The minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and cross-sectional area (CSA) at the ostium of the side branch and the stenosis within the main vessel were then measured, taking into account the stent deformity that occurred. Kissing balloon dilatation with two 3.5-mm balloon catheters was then performed and the stenosis secondary to stent deformity in the main vessel was remeasured. The MLD of the Multi-Link stent at the side-branch ostium was greater compared with those of the Palmaz-Schatz stent or the NIR stent (2.4 +/- 0.1, 1.6 +/- 0.1, 1.7 +/- 0.1 mm, P < 0.01) and CSA (4.9 +/- 0.5, 2.7 +/- 0.3, 2.5 +/- 0.3 mm(2), P < 0.01). Balloon inflation through the stent struts caused stent deformity that resulted in some degree of stenosis within the stent of the main vessel in all three stent types. Kissing balloon inflation reduced, but never eliminated, this stenosis. The percent stenosis in the main vessel secondary to stent deformity (PS 34% +/- 9%, NIR 25% +/- 8%, Multi-Link 34% +/- 7%, NS) and residual stenosis postkissing balloon inflation (PS 12% +/- 1%, NIR 10% +/- 3%, Multi-Link 14% +/- 3%, NS) were not significantly different among these three stents. At the side-branch ostium, the MLD and CSA were significantly greater for the Multi-Link stent compared with those of the Palmaz-Schatz or NIR stent. Balloon inflation through the stent struts caused stent deformity that resulted in stenosis within the stent in the main vessel. Kissing balloon inflation reduced this stenosis, but some residual stenosis always remained. The stenoses within the main vessel did not differ among the three stent types. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 48:230-234, 1999.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed1999

Functional evaluation of myocardial viability by 99mTc tetrofosmin gated SPECT--a quantitative comparison with 18F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission CT (18F FDG PET).

UNLABELLED: To validate functional analysis of gated SPECT in detecting myocardial viability, seventeen patients (male 15, female 2, mean age 58) with angiographically proven chronic ischemic heart disease (RCA 6, LAD 10, LCX 1) and eight normal volunteers (all male) were studied. All patients underwent 18F FDG PET and 99mTc tetrofosmin (TF) gated SPECT within a week. After being displayed in a polar map, myocardial perfusion was regionally determined by the mean count in 9 segments at end diastole (ED) and end systole (ES) in gated SPECT. Systolic function was determined by the count increase ratio from ED to ES (WTI: ES - ED/ED). Glucose metabolism was assessed by 18F FDG PET in the segments correspondent to those defined for SPECT. TF %uptake of < 60% was defined as hypoperfusion, and FDG %uptake of < 50% was defined as reduced glucose metabolism. RESULTS: The myocardial segments were classified into 3 categories: "normal" perfusion (n = 85), "mismatch" (reduced perfusion with reserved FDG uptake, n = 25) and "matched" reduced perfusion and metabolic reduction (n = 26). Mean WTI in "mismatch" segment was 0.38 +/- 0.21, and was significantly greater than that in "matched reduced" segments, 0.15 +/- 0.20 (p < 0.001). It was also greater than that in "normal" segments, 0.27 +/- 0.16. Regression analysis showed that association between WTI and FDG %uptake was significant (r = 0.57, p < 0.0005) for the ischemic segments ("mismatch" + "matched", n = 51), but the association was weak for the entire segments although it was statistically significant (r = 0.26, p = 0.02, n = 136). CONCLUSION: For the segments determined as infarct by perfusion image, systolic functional analysis by gated SPECT is helpful in differentiation of a viable myocardial region or artifact from a scar. Nevertheless, further clinical and technical assessment is required for ECG gating to eliminate overestimation of viability and to warrant clinical use.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Growth and development in Arabidopsis thaliana through an entire life cycle under simulated microgravity conditions on a clinostat.

The effects of simulated microgravity conditions produced by a horizontal clinostat on the entire life cycle of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia and Landsberg erecta were studied. Horizontal clinorotation affected little germination of seeds, growth and development of rosette leaves and roots during early vegetative growth stage, and the onset of the bolting of inflorescence axis and flower formation in reproductive growth stage, although it suppressed elongation of inflorescence axes. The clinorotation substantially reduced the numbers of siliques and seeds in Landsberg erecta, and completely inhibited seed production in Columbia. Seeds produced in Landsberg erecta on the clinostat were capable of germinating and developing rosette leaves normally on the ground. On the other hand, growth of pin formed mutant (pin/pin) of Arabidopsis ecotype Enkheim, which has a unique structure of inflorescence axis with no flower and extremely low levels of auxin polar transport activity, was inhibited and the seedlings frequently died during vegetative stage on the clinostat. Seed formation and inflorescence growth of the seedlings with normal shape (pin/+ or +/+) were also suppressed on the clinostat. These results suggest that the growth and development of Arabidopsis, especially in reproductive growth stage, is suppressed under simulated microgravity conditions on a clinostat. To complete the life cycle probably seems to be quite difficult, although it is possible in some ecotypes.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed1999

Tissue distribution of methylsulfonyl metabolites derived from 2,2',4,5,5'-penta- and 2,2',3,4',5',6-hexachlorobiphenyls in rats.

The time courses of fecal excretion and tissue distribution of metabolites derived from 2,2',4,5,5'-pentachlorobiphenyl (CB101) and 2,2',3,4',5',6-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB149) were investigated in male Wistar rats. The metabolism of both congeners involved primarily hydroxylation at the 3-position, and methylthiolation at the 4-position. Metabolites distributed in tissue were dominated by different ratios of 3- and 4-methylsulfonyl (MeSO2) metabolites. The 3-/4-MeSO2 metabolite ratios in liver and adipose tissue for both congeners were 0.41-0.61 at day 4, and then increased to 0.85-1.00 for up to day 42. In contrast, the ratios in lung were 0.03-0.04, and then decreased to 0.01. Compared to the unchanged PCBs at day 42, the distribution ratios of 3-MeSO2 metabolites were greater in the order of liver (0.46 for CB101 and 0.21 for CB149) > kidney > blood > lung > adipose tissue, whereas those of 4-MeSO2 metabolites were in the order of lung (9.50 for CB101 and 4.00 for CB149) > kidney > blood > liver > adipose tissue, indicating the different binding affinity of 3-MeSO2 metabolites in liver from that of 4-MeSO2 metabolites in lungs of rats. Furthermore, the structure-tissue affinity relationship for 3-MeSO2 metabolites was investigated, following the administration of 11 3-MeSO2-PCB congeners to rats. The results indicated that the retention potential of 3-MeSO2 metabolites in the liver largely depends on the ortho-chlorine substitution in the biphenyl ring rather than the degree of chlorination.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Central gastrin inhibits feeding behavior and food passage in neonatal chicks.

The gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK) family is recognized as the principal family of hormones involved in regulation of the gastrointestinal tract CCK is recognized as a satiety hormone in mammalian species, but it has been suggested that gastrin rather CCK may have an important role in controlling feeding behavior in the neonatal chick through a poorly developed blood brain barrier. So far, however, there is no direct evidence that central gastrin inhibits food intake in neonatal chicks. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether central administration of gastrin 1) inhibits feeding behavior and 2) alters food passage from the crop. The effects of central administration of gastrin on food intake were investigated in experiment 1. Birds (2-day-old) were food-deprived for 3 h and then gastrin or saline was injected intracerebroventricularly. Gastrin strongly inhibited food intake in a dose-dependent fashion for 2 h. Thereafter, the effects of central gastrin on feeding behavior and serum corticosterone concentration were examined in experiment 2. Following central administration of gastrin, food intake was depressed and pecking behavior was inhibited. Serum corticosterone concentration was not altered by central administration of gastrin. The influence of central gastrin on food passage from the crop was investigated in experiment 3. Central administration of gastrin clearly delayed food passage. In conclusion, central gastrin appears to have a strong effect for the satiety and gastrointestinal motility in the neonatal chick.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Effects of substitution of N-terminal amino acid of glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide on food intake of the neonatal chick.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a member of glucagon superfamily, is synthesized from a large precursor, preproglucagon, and has been postulated to be a novel incretin. Recently, it was reported that central administration of GLP-1 (7-36) amide decreased food intake in rats and chickens. Generally, the amino acid sequences of the glucagon superfamily members except for gastric inhibitory peptide and growth hormone-releasing factor are identical at N-terminal histidine. It is well known that the GLP-1 receptor is highly specific for GLP-1 and does not bind other peptides of the glucagon superfamily. The aim of this study was to elucidate whether central injection of substituted GLP-1 in which N-terminal histidine of mammalian GLP-1 (7-36) amide was replaced with tyrosine, inhibits food intake in the chick. Intracerebroventricular administration of substituted GLP-1 inhibits food intake in the chick, although the effect of substituted GLP-1 was 11 to 13 fold less than that of mammalian GLP-1 (7-36) amide. These results indicate that N-terminal histidine of GLP-1 (7-36) amide is important for efficacy, but not essential for its bioactivity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) antigens on house dust mite-specific T cells in atopic disease function through T-T cell interactions.

BACKGROUND: CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) play an important role in antigen presentation to effector cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that these costimulatory molecules are also expressed on activated T cells. However, the functional role of CD80 and CD86 expressed on allergen-specific T cells in atopic diseases has not yet been clarified. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the functional role of CD80 and CD86 expressed on allergen-specific T cells in atopic diseases. METHODS: We assayed the expression of CD80 and CD86 on allergen-specific T-cell lines from patients with perennial allergic rhinitis stimulated by Dermatophagoides farinae-crude (Der f-c) antigen, 1 of the major allergens causing house dust mite allergy. T-cell proliferation induced by Der f-c-specific T-T cell interactions was measured, and the role of CD80 and CD86 in this proliferation was examined. In addition, we compared the proportion of CD45RO+CD86(+) T cells in primary culture of PBMCs stimulated by Der f-c antigen between patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and control subjects. RESULTS: On T-cell activation, CD86 antigen was upregulated earlier than CD80. Both CD80 and CD86 expressed on Der f-c-specific T cells could provide costimulatory signals to induce allergen-specific T-cell proliferation that was partially inhibitable by both anti-CD80 and anti-CD86 mAbs. The proportion of CD45RO+CD86(+) T cells in primary culture from atopic patients was significantly higher than that from control subjects. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that costimulatory molecules, such as CD80 and CD86, expressed on allergen-specific T cells may be involved in the amplification of allergen-specific immune responses through T-T cell interactions in atopic diseases.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Auxin polar transport in Arabidopsis under simulated microgravity conditions--relevance to growth and development.

Activity of auxin polar transport in inflorescence axes of Arabidopsis thaliana grown under simulated microgravity conditions was studied in relation to the growth and development. Seeds were germinated and allowed to grow on an agar medium in test tubes on a horizontal clinostat. Horizontal clinostat rotation substantially reduced the growth of inflorescence axes and the productivity of seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana (ecotypes Landsberg erecta and Columbia), although it little affected seed germination, development of rosette leaves and flowering. The activity of auxin polar transport in inflorescence axes decreased when Arabidopsis plants were grown on a horizontal clinostat from germination stage, being ca. 60% of 1 g control. On the other hand, the auxin polar transport in inflorescence axes of Arabidopsis grown in 1 g conditions was not affected when the segments were exposed to various gravistimuli, including 3-dimensional clinorotation, during transport experiments. Pin-formed mutant of Arabidopsis, having a unique structure of the inflorescence axis with no flower and extremely low levels of the activity of auxin polar transport in inflorescence axes and endogenous auxin, did not continue its vegetative growth under clinostat rotation. These facts suggest that the development of the system of auxin polar transport in Arabidopsis is affected by microgravity, resulting in the inhibition of growth and development, especially during reproductive growth.

Arabidopsis↗

PubMed1999

TUNEL staining of inner ear structures may reflect autolysis, not apoptosis.

A recent study (Usami et al., 1997) using the TUNEL method has suggested that age-related cell death in the senescence-accelerated mouse inner ear is due to apoptosis. TUNEL staining detects not only apoptosis but also late necrosis or autolysis because it detects DNA breaks. Autolysis may occur in inner ear structures during fixation. To determine whether or not age-related cell death is due to apoptosis, TUNEL staining of the inner ear of normal mice should be understood. However, studies of TUNEL staining of the normal inner ear have not yet been reported. We investigated whether the fixation method or the interval between the death of normal mice and the initiation of fixation influences the results of TUNEL staining of the inner ear. Marginal cells of the stria vascularis and hair cells of the saccule were TUNEL-positive, irrespective of the fixation method or the interval between death and fixation. Interdental cells, Reissner membrane cells, fibrocytes in the suprastrial region, and inner and outer hair cells were also occasionally stained. Transmission electron microscopy showed no morphological characteristics of apoptosis in the hair cells of the saccule. Moreover, patterns of TUNEL staining in the normal and senescence-accelerated mouse inner ear were similar. These stained tissues may require a high level of oxygen, making them more susceptible to autolysis. We concluded that the results of TUNEL staining in the inner ear require confirmation by morphological studies.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Quantitative analysis of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with IgA nephropathy after tonsillectomy.

The biological response to tonsillectomy was studied in 21 patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis with or without IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Serum and urinary interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured before and after tonsillectomy. Serum IL-6 levels in case of IgAN peaked 3 h after tonsillectomy and more rapidly than control cases. No significant differences were observed between two cases through the time. Urinary IL-6 levels were significantly higher before and at 6 and 48 h after tonsillectomy in IgAN cases. Stimulation of tonsils caused serum IL-6 elevation and changes in urinary IL-6 levels in IgAN cases. Elevation of urinary IL-6 levels after tonsillectomy in patients with IgAN may reflect an increase in the production of IL-6 in the kidneys. Measurement of urinary IL-6 levels after tonsillectomy is useful to elucidate the efficacy of tonsillectomy in IgAN patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Efficient enzymatic synthesis of amide with (aminomethyl)trimethylsilane.

Hydrolase-catalyzed amide synthesis using a silicon-containing amine, (aminomethyl)trimethylsilane, as the substrate was studied. Six hydrolases (lipase OF 360, lipase Novo, lipase KLIP-001, lipoprotein lipase Type A, cholesterol esterase Type A, and cholesterol esterase III) were capable of forming the amide of (aminomethyl)trimethylsilane with octanoic acid in 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. Lipoprotein lipase Type A and cholesterol esterase Type A showed particularly the high levels of activity. From a comparative study of (aminomethyl)trimethylsilane and its carbon analog, 2,2-dimethylpropylamine, the former was found to be a better substrate for the hydrolases than the carbon analog. This difference is considered to arise from the specific properties of the silicon atom. (Aminomethyl)trimethylsilane exhibited a homotropic effect at concentration under 100 mM in amide synthesis by lipoprotein lipase Type A, while the carbon analog showed no such effect.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Strain-dependent induction of allergic rhinitis without adjuvant in mice.

BACKGROUND: To date, no murine models have been reported to show the induction of both antigen-specific IgE and nasal eosinophilia, two of the major hallmarks of allergic rhinitis, after local sensitization in the absence of adjuvants, a phenomenon which reflects natural exposure. In this report, we attempted to establish a murine model representing an initiation of allergic rhinitis. METHODS: BALB/c, CBA/J, and C57BL/6 mice were sensitized intranasally to Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen (SEA) solely. After repeated sensitization, serum Ab titers, nasal eosinophilia, and cytokine production by nasal lymphocytes were determined. RESULTS: BALB/c mice produced SEA-specific IgE after repeated sensitization. High-dose sensitization to SEA induced IgE production in CBA/J mice, while C57BL/6 mice did not show the production throughout the period observed, suggesting that IgE production was regulated genetically. BALB/c mice also exhibited nasal eosinophilia after the nasal challenge. In addition, nasal lymphocytes sensitized with SEA intranasally produced significant amount of IL-5 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that intranasal sensitization with SEA in the absence of adjuvants induces a Th2 immune reaction, reflecting the hallmarks of the initiation of allergic rhinitis both in vivo and in vitro, which is genetically regulated.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Histamine H1-receptor-mediated modulation of the delayed rectifier K+ current in guinea-pig atrial cells: opposite effects on IKs and IKr.

1. Histamine receptor-mediated modulation of the rapid and slow components of the delayed rectifier K+ current (IK) was investigated in enzymatically-dissociated atrial cells of guinea-pigs using the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. 2. Histamine at a concentration of 10 microM enhanced IK recorded during strong depolarization to potentials ranging from +20 to +40 mV and inhibited IK recorded during mild depolarization to potentials ranging from -20 to -10 mV. The increase of IK was more prominent with longer depolarizing pulses, whereas the inhibition of IK was more marked with shorter depolarizing pulses, suggesting that histamine enhances IKs (the slow component of IK) and inhibits IKr (the rapid component of IK). 3. The histamine-induced enhancement of IKs and inhibition of IKr were abolished by 3 microM chlorpheniramine but not by 10 microM cimetidine, suggesting that these opposite effects of histamine on IKr and IKs are mediated by H1-receptors. 4. In the presence of 5 microM E-4031, an IKr blocker, histamine hardly affected IK during mild depolarization although it enhanced IK during strong depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. Histamine increased IKs with EC50 value of 0.7 microM. In the presence of 300 microM indapamide, an IKs blocker, histamine hardly affected IKs but inhibited IKr in a concentration-dependent manner. Histamine decreased IKr with IC50 value of 0.3 microM. 5. Pretreatment with 100 nM calphostin C or 30 nM staurosporine, protein kinase C inhibitors, abolished the histamine-induced enhancement of IKs, but failed to affect the histamine-induced inhibition of IKr. 6. We conclude that in guinea-pig atrial cells H1-receptor stimulation enhances IKs and inhibits IKr through different intracellular mechanisms.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Experimental demonstration and simulation of electrochemical non-linear responses to glucose and its interferents with an amperometric sensor.

A novel sensing system based on the multi-dimensional information contained in a dynamic non-linear response is proposed. A sinusoidal potential was applied to an amperometric-type glucose sensor and the resulting current of the sensor was analyzed by fast Fourier transformation (FFT). The amplitudes of the higher harmonics of FFT characterize the non-linear properties of the response. The amplitudes of the higher harmonics of FFT exhibit characteristic changes which depend on the concentration and the kinetics of the reactions of glucose and its interferents at the sensor surface. The essential features of the current-potential curve were reproduced by a computer simulation based on the kinetics of electrochemical reactions.

Electrochemistry↗

PubMed1999

Mechanism of behavioral adaptation: analyses by a simple model.

This paper outlines a model describing how animals adapt to a particular circumstance. This model is based on observations that animals learn behaviors that best fit a circumstance, and that the adapted animals then select the most suitable behavior that minimizes their psychological energy usage. The model consists of behavioral memory units and their network connections. By using the model, various animal disadaptations can be analyzed and the antibody-production system can be clearly explained as an adaptation. Finally, it is proposed that simulation of the model can be performed on a computer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1999

Hearing immaturity found by ABR and its clinical impact on otoneurological evaluation.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is the most reliable and most frequently used procedure to evaluate audiological conditions in early infancy. However, several reports have demonstrated that developmental change in the central nervous system may affect the results of ABR in audiological evaluations. We examined statistically the reliability of ABR for the diagnosis of profound deafness in early childhood according to our experience over the past 12 years of follow-up in our facility. Subjects included 371 children among 1,041 children who were admitted to Kanariya-Gakuen (institute for pre-school deaf children) from April 1985 to March 1997. These children were examined with ABR to determine their hearing levels. In five cases with an abnormal hearing threshold determined by ABR and other audiological tests, repeated examinations carried out during a 5- to 6-month follow-up period revealed that they had normal hearing. Three of these children had been diagnosed previously with mental retardation and the remaining two were infants < 5 months old. The specificity and sensitivity of ABR were calculated as 97.3% and 100%, respectively. The predictive value of a positive result was 94.7%. There remains the possibility of a false negative for such cases, although the rate seems to be very low (< 0.2%).

Audiometry↗

PubMed1999

4-methylcatechol, a potent inducer of nerve growth factor synthesis, protects spiral ganglion neurons from aminoglycoside ototoxicity--preliminary report.

The degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons after hair cell destruction following aminoglycoside ototoxicity is associated not only with the direct effect on the neurons, but also with a loss of neurotrophic factors provided by auditory hair cells. The neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), have been reported to be effective in enhancing neuronal survival against aminoglycoside ototoxicity in vivo. To determine whether 4-methylcatechol (4-MC), a potent inducer of nerve growth factor synthesis, can protect spiral ganglion neurons after aminoglycoside treatment in vivo, we studied the spiral ganglion neurons of gentamicin (GM)-treated mice with or without 4-MC administration. We found that the number of surviving spiral ganglion neurons of 4-MC-treated animals was significantly greater than for those treated with GM alone. Our results suggest that 4-MC promotes synthesis of NGF (and/or other neurotrophins), which enhances spiral ganglion neuron survival after gentamicin treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Does TUNEL staining during peri- and post-natal development of the mouse inner ear indicate apoptosis?

Terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TDT)-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labelling (TUNEL) is being used more frequently to investigate programmed cell death (PCD). We have applied this method in order to examine how PCD is involved in the development of the mouse inner ear. In a series of studies, we identified a population of TUNEL-positive cells in the perinatal mouse ear that could not be regarded as apoptosis based upon morphological features of the nuclei. Theoretically, TUNEL detects DNA fragmentation, which can also occur in necrosis. Other authors regard TUNEL-positive cells in the sensory epithelia of the rat equilibrium organs between gestational day (GD) 19 and 7 days after birth (DAB) as apoptosis. We determined whether or not cells in the inner ear of perinatal and post-natal mice were TUNEL-positive due to apoptosis. We stained the inner ears of BALB/c mice aged GD17.5-4 weeks by the TUNEL method and analysed morphology by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TUNEL-positive cells were distinct in the saccule from DAB3, and in the cochlea from DAB8. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the hair cells of the saccule and in the cochlea increased with age, and seemed to reach a plateau just before 2 weeks of age. However, morphological analyses did not reveal findings characteristic of apoptosis. We conclude that these TUNEL-positive cells were labelled not because of apoptosis, but due to necrosis or post-mortem autolysis. We surmise that TUNEL staining can identify vulnerable cells of the inner ear that consume high levels of oxygen and easily undergo autolysis.

Animals↗