Localization and Expression of Calpain in the Cochlea of Normal Guinea Pig

Objective To investigate the localization and expression of calpains in the cochlea of normal guinea pig.Methods The expression of calpains was detected by the SABC method of immunohistochemistry combined with imaging analysis technique.Auditory brainstem response(ABR) measurement was used to test the hearing of guinea pig.Results Immunoreactivity for calpains was mainly found in stria vascularis,spiral ligament,spiral ganglions and hair cells,and immunostaining was greater in spiral ganglion.Furthermore,the calpain 1 expression dominantly existed in the cytoplasm of spiral ganglions,while calpain 2 immunostaining was almost found in the whole spiral ganglion cells.Conclusions Calpain exists in many cell types of normal guinea pig's cochlea.