Role of capillary pericytes and precapillary arterioles in the vascular mechanism of betahistine in a guinea pig inner ear model
- Author(s)
- Bertlich, M; Ihler, F; Weiss, BG; Freytag, S; Strupp, M; Jakob, M; Canis, M;
- Journal Title
- Life Sci
- Publication Type
- Journal Article
- Abstract
- AIMS: Betahistine is a histamine analogue that is used for the treatment of Meniere's disease. Animal studies showed that it increases local blood flow in the stria vascularis. In terms of its mode of action, recent studies have prompted discussion of whether betahistine actively affects cochlear microcirculation by dilations of pericytes or of precapillary arterioles or by mere downstream effects. Hence, we investigated the effects of betahistine on cochlear capillary pericytes and precapillary arterioles. MAIN METHODS: The stria vascularis was visualized in 12 guinea pigs by in vivo fluorescence microscopy. In these, 152 pericytes were stained and local diameter at sites of pericyte somas and downstream controls as well as intravascular blood flow were measured before and after betahistine application. Moreover, in two guinea pigs the precapillary arterioles were visualized by 2-photon-microscopy before and after betahistine application. KEY FINDINGS: There was no significant change in capillary diameter at sites of pericyte somas after betahistine application compared to controls, baseline or downstream controls, even though cochlear blood flow increased significantly. The two-photon measurements indicated an active dilation of precapillary arterioles. SIGNIFICANCE: Since we found no evidence that betahistine affects cochlear microcirculation by cochlear pericytes, its main mode of action is evidently active dilation of pre-capillary arterioles. These findings are in line with similar effects reported in the central nervous system and indicate an active effect on cochlear microcirculation.
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Research Division(s)
- Population Health And Immunity
- PubMed ID
- 28818391
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2017.08.015
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2017-08-30 02:22:15
Last Modified: 2017-09-12 08:46:42