Abstract:Objective:To explore the role of TMPRSS3 and ENaC-α in sensorineural deafness via investigating the expression in the cochlea of SD rats with age-related hearing loss. MethodsRats used for age-related hearing loss were divided into three groups, for 3-month-old group, 12-month-old group and 24-month-old group. The auditory function was evaluated by evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABR). The expression of TMPRSS3 and ENaC-α in the cochlea was detected by Paraffin-embedded immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay. ResultsABR threshold increased and expression of TMPRSS3, ENaC-α decreased with aging in the cochlea of SD rats. ConclusionsThe expression of TMPRSS3, ENaC-α decreases with aging in the cochlea of SD rats. The change of ENaC-α expression has some correlation with TMPRSS3 which indicates that TMPRSS3 may regulate the expression of ENaC-α.