Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (3): 1-6.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2025.141

• Original Article •     Next Articles

Glucocorticoids alleviate endolymphatic hydrops induced by arginine vasopressin by downregulating aquaporin-2

LI Mengxin1,2,3, XU Hui4, ZHANG Xiaoling1,2,3,5, XUE Qing1,2,3,5, JI Shuangyu1,2,3, LI Yingying6, CUI Limei1,2,3,   

  1. GUO Zhaojian7, SONG Xicheng1, 2, 3, SUN Yan1, 2, 3, CHEN Liang1, 2, 31. Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai 264099, Shandong, China2. Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai 264099, Shandong, China3. Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai 264099, Shandong, China4. Department of Stomatology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai 264099, Shandong, China5. The Second Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264030, Shandong, China6. Fuyang Cancer Hospital, Fuyang 236001, Anhui, China7. Department of Pathology, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Yantai 264099, Shandong, China
  • Published:2026-05-22

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Abstract: Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of glucocorticoids on arginine vasopressin(AVP)-induced endolymphatic hydrops(ELH)in rats and its association with the regulation of aquaporin-2(AQP2)expression. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control(normal saline), model(desmopressin acetate), dexamethasone(DXM)intervention, and DXM + mifepristone(RU486)intervention groups. Cochlear tissues were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining to assess the degree of ELH, quantified by the ratio(R value)of the scala media area to the sum of scala media and scala vestibuli areas. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the distribution and expression of AQP2 protein in the cochlea, and qRT-PCR was used to detect AQP2 mRNA expression levels. Results Compared with the control group, the model group showed significant ELH(P<0.01)and markedly increased AQP2 mRNA and protein expression(P<0.05). The DXM group exhibited reduced ELH(P<0.05)and decreased AQP2 expression(P<0.05)compared with the model group. In the DXM+RU486 group, both ELH severity and AQP2 expression were significantly higher than those in the DXM group(P<0.001). Immunohistochemistry revealed widespread AQP2 expression in the stria vascularis(SV), spiral ligament(SL), organ of Corti(OC), Reissner's membrane, and spiral ganglion neurons, with predominant localization to the cell membrane. Changes in AQP2 expression in the SV and SL were consistent with the degree of hydrops. In the OC, although AQP2 expression decreased in the DXM group, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Glucocorticoids may alleviate AVP-induced ELH by downregulating AQP2 expression in the cochlea, particularly in the SV and SL. This effect can be partially reversed by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone.

Key words: Glucocorticoid, Endolymphatic Hydrops, Aquaporin-2

CLC Number: 

  • R764
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