Expression of midkine in the cochlea

Midkine (MK) is one of a new family of heparin-binding growth factors invol ved in the regulation of growth and differentiation. We have analyzed expre ssion of MK in the cochlea using ICR mice within 1 day from birth. The expr ession of MK in the cochlea was confirmed by Western blotting and immunohis tochemistry. Anti-MK immunoreactivity was observed in the stria vascularis, spiral prominence, spiral ganglion, and ganglion nerve fibers. These findi ngs suggest that MK plays a role in the development of the cochlea. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.