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Olfactory deficits in Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration. As only a few studies have been conducted on the impact of NPC on sensory systems, we used a mutant mouse model (NPC1(-/-)) to examine the effects of this disorder to morphologically distinct regions of the olfactory system, namely the olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: For structural and functional analysis immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, western blotting, and electrophysiology have been applied. For histochemistry and western blotting, we used antibodies against a series of neuronal and glia marker proteins, as well as macrophage markers. NPC1(-/-) animals present myelin-like lysosomal deposits in virtually all types of cells of the peripheral and central olfactory system. Especially supporting cells of the OE and central glia cells are affected, resulting in pronounced astrocytosis and microgliosis in the OB and other olfactory cortices. Up-regulation of Galectin-3, Cathepsin D and GFAP in the cortical layers of the OB underlines the critical role and location of the OB as a possible entrance gate for noxious substances. Unmyelinated olfactory afferents of the lamina propria seem less affected than ensheathing cells. Supporting the structural findings, electro-olfactometry of the olfactory mucosa suggests that NPC1(-/-) animals exhibit olfactory and trigeminal deficits. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our data demonstrate a pronounced neurodegeneration and glia activation in the olfactory system of NPC1(-/-), which is accompanied by sensory deficits.

SUBMITTER: Hovakimyan M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3877006 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Olfactory deficits in Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease.

Hovakimyan Marina M Meyer Anja A Lukas Jan J Luo Jiankai J Gudziol Volker V Hummel Thomas T Rolfs Arndt A Wree Andreas A Witt Martin M

PloS one 20131231 12

<h4>Background</h4>Niemann-Pick type C disease (NPC) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid storage disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration. As only a few studies have been conducted on the impact of NPC on sensory systems, we used a mutant mouse model (NPC1(-/-)) to examine the effects of this disorder to morphologically distinct regions of the olfactory system, namely the olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB).<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>For structural and fun ...[more]

PMID: 24391715

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Project description:OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the auditory phenotype in Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1), to understand better the natural history of this complex, heterogeneous disorder, and to define further the baseline auditory deficits associated with NPC1 so that use of potentially ototoxic interventions (e.g., 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin) may be more appropriately monitored and understood. DESIGN:Fifty patients with NPC1 ranging in age from 4 months to 21 years (mean = 9.3 years) enrolled in a natural history/observational study at the National Institutes of Health. The auditory test battery included, when possible, immittance audiometry, pure-tone and speech audiometry, otoacoustic emission testing, and a neurotologic auditory brainstem response study. Longitudinal data were collected on a subset of patients. RESULTS:Over half of the cohort exhibited hearing loss involving the high frequencies ranging from a slight to moderate degree, and 74% of patients presented with clinically significant hearing loss involving the frequencies most important to speech understanding (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz). Despite the heterogeneity of the sample, results among patients were sufficiently consistent to implicate retrocochlear dysfunction in the majority (66%) of individuals, with (22%) or without (44%) accompanying cochlear involvement. Some patients (10%) presented with a profile for auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. The combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal data indicates these patients are at risk for a progressive decline in auditory function. CONCLUSIONS:This is the largest cohort of patients with NPC1 evaluated comprehensively for auditory dysfunction, and results implicate the pathological processes of NPC1 in the manifestation of hearing loss. Patients with NPC1 should be monitored audiologically throughout their lives, beginning at the time of diagnosis. Clinicians and researchers should be aware of this historically overlooked aspect of the phenotype.

Dataset Information

Olfactory deficits in Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease.

Publications

Olfactory deficits in Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease.

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