Effects of exposure to acute hypoxia on expression of heat shock protein 90 in cochlea of guinea pig

To investigate the expression of heat shock protein 90(HSP 90) in cochlea of guinea pig after exposure to acute hypoxia. Methods: The animals were put in the hypoxic gas chamber for 1 h and then their cochlea were taken out. The expression of HSP 90 in cochlea of these animals was examined by immunohistochemistry and image analysis system. Results: In both normal group and hypoxic group, the HSP 90 was stained in cochlea, but the expression of HSP 90 was significantly enhanced after hypoxic exposure, especially in spiral ganglion, organ of Corti, stria vascularis and spiral ligament . The enhancement of expression of HSP 90 was more obvious at organ of Corti and stria vascularis in hypoxic group than those in normal group. Conclusion: HSP 90 is expressed in cochlea of normal and hypoxic guinea pigs and hypoxia is of an obvious revulsive effect on the expression of HSP 90 in cochlea.