Role of Kir4.1 Channels in Aminoglycoside-Induced Ototoxicity of Hair Cells

Figure 2

Characteristics of HEI-OC1 cells and the expression of Kir4.1. Cell growth curve and Kir4.1 expression levels were observed to determine the experimental condition in HEI-OC1 cells. (a) Cell growth curves were obtained at 33°C and 39°C for 14 days in HEI-OC1 cells. (b) The change in the expression level of Kir4.1 was confirmed by qRT-PCR. (c) Expression of Kir4.1 at 33°C and 39°C was confirmed at the protein level by western blot. (d, e) Immunofluorescence assay was performed to confirm the changes in the expression level of Kir4.1 on day 3 and day 7 of cells at 33°C and 39°C, respectively. Expression of Kir4.1 was enhanced at 39°C compared to 33°C. High magnification microscopy revealed that the expression was mainly at the cell membrane surface.