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The distribution of glucocorticoid (GR) receptor messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and GR receptors was studied by in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunocytochemistry, respectively. In situ hybridization histochemistry was performed with a biotin-labeled riboprobe complementary to rat GR receptor mRNA. GR receptor mRNAs were demonstrated in spiral ligament cells, spiral limbus cells, and spiral ganglion cells. GR receptor mRNAs were demonstrated neither in cells of the stria vascularis nor in cells of the organ of Corti region. With the use of a monoclonal and a polyclonal antibody, GR receptors were observed in the spiral ligament cells, stria vascularis cells, spiral limbus cells, and spiral ganglion cells by immunocytochemistry. Binding of anti-GR-receptor antibodies to a lesser extent was observed in the organ of Corti region; however, cellular distribution of the GR receptors could not be resolved with the applied techniques. These results suggest that the GR receptor is expressed differently in the heterogeneous cochlear tissues.

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The postnatal expression of five Na, K-ATPase alpha (alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3) and beta (beta 1, beta 2) subunit isoforms in the rat cochlea was investigated by immunocytochemistry. High levels of expression of the alpha 1 and beta 2 isoforms were observed in stria vascularis (SV) at all developmental stages. alpha 1 and beta 1 isoforms showed a distinct time-dependent developmental expression pattern in tissues of the spiral ligament (SL) and spiral limbus (SLi). Limited, temporary expression of alpha 2 and alpha 3 subunit isoforms were found in SV and SL. Expression of each isoform was also seen in organ of Corti (OC), spiral ganglion (SG), cochlear nerve (CN) and Kölliker's Organ (KO). These observations suggest that individual isoforms may exert specific actions postnatally during final cochlear maturation.