Gene expression demonstrates an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/25779626/#fft Abstract OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of the present study is to explore, demonstrate, and describe the expression of genes related to the innate immune system in the human endolymphatic sac. It is hypothesized that the endolymphatic sac has a significant immunological function in the human inner ear. STUDY DESIGN: DNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry were used for analyses of fresh human endolymphatic-sac tissue samples. METHODS: Twelve tissue samples from the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during translabyrinthine surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Microarray technology was used to investigate tissue sample gene expression using adjacent dura mater as control. The expression of genes specific for the innate immune system was determined and results for selected key molecules verified by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A comprehensive overview of expressed genes of the innate immune system was obtained. Multiple key elements of both the cellular and humoral innate immune system were expressed, including Toll-like receptors 4 and 7, as well as beta-defensin and lactoferrin. CONCLUSIONS: The present data provides the first direct evidence of an immunological capacity of the human endolymphatic sac. At the molecular level, the endolymphatic sac is capable of antigen recognition and processing for initiation of an immune response. In addition, potent molecules directly toxic to invading pathogens are expressed by the sac epithelium. This evidence strongly supports the endolymphatic sac as a significant immunological entity of the inner ear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A. Laryngoscope, 2015. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.
This is where it's all heading (immune response) and the solution will come from some sort of immunotherapy work in my humble opinion not from an Ent or Neurotologist but rather from an immunologist. Whatever is taking place is taking place at the cellular level and is being transported throughout the body eventually effecting the Endo Sac. I truly believe we have all had mm before our ears became bad or hydrops developed, for years it was probably some sort of sub clinical infection we just never paid attention to it until the ear became involved. We just said to ourselves. "I got a stuffy nose, allergies, IBS, post nasal drip, headache ect......." How and where that/those sub clinical infections developed or came about about is anybody's guess, but the new research being done is very much focusing on immune response and now we know the Endo sac plays a vital role in that response. Thanks for posting Vicki!!!
you're welcome BD Hopefully they get their answers very soon so we can all be rid of this horrible life altering disease.