Effect of noise exposure on the protein level of Cx26 in the SL.

<p>Animals were exposed to noise at 110(<b>a</b>) Tissue lysates were prepared from the SL of the cochlear at the various time points indicated post-noise exposure as well as from that of naïve animals for determination of Cx26 levels by immunoblot analysis. Values are the means ± S.E. from 4–7 separate animals per each group. *<i>P</i><0.05, significantly different from control value obtained for naïve animals. (<b>b</b>) At the various time points indicated post-exposure, animals were fixed for preparation of the cochlear slices, which were then immunostained for Cx26 in the lateral wall structures of the cochlea. These experiments were carried out at least 6 times under the same experimental conditions, with similar results. 0 h, immediately after noise exposure.