[Effects of mtDNA deletion associated with abnormal expression in rat cochlear with presbycusis].
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the common deletion (4834-bp) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in rat cochlear with presbycusis. METHODS: The mtDNA 4834-bp deletion was analyzed by PCR. The mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) transcript level and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity were measured by RT-PCR and histochemical methods respectively. RESULTS: The 4834-bp deletion occurred in all the senescent rat cochlear. The COXI transcript level was decreased associated with the decline of COX activity. CONCLUSION: The mtDNA 4834-bp deletion presented in the rat cochlear with presbycusis, which lead to the decrease of COXI transcript level and COX activity, may play an important role in the pathogens of presbycusis.