Atp2b2 Oblivion heterozygous mutation causes progressive vestibular dysfunction in mice

Objective·To study the alterations in vestibular hair cell morphology and function of ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 2 oblivion (Atp2b2 Oblivion) heterozygous mice at different ages.Methods·Atp2b2 Oblivion heterozygous male mice aged 2 months and 8 months were selected with ten in each kind and C57BL/6J wild-type mice with the same gender, age and number were selected as the control group. Expression patterns of ATP2B2 in vestibular hair cells and numbers of hair cells in the striola zone and the extra striola zone in the two groups of mice at different ages were observed and calculated respectively through immunofluorescence assay. Hair bundle structures were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mitochondria and ribbon synapse structures were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Vestibular evoked potential (VsEP), vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP), rotarod rod test, and balance beam test were adopted for the evaluation of vestibular functions.Results·ATP2B2 w