Location and expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptor on vestibular organs of guinea pigs

Objective: To examine the location and expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) on vestibular organs of guinea pigs. Methods: Immunohistochemistry. Results: bFGF was in the plasma and nuclear of supporting and hair cells;FGFR was on the surface of supporting cells.Weak bFGF and FGFR immunoreactivity was detectable in normal adults.Strong bFGF and FGFR immunoreactivity was detectable in the neonatal and adults whose inner ears were destroyed by gentamicin. Conclusion: bFGF may have a role in the development of vestibular organs and in maintenance of the integrity of structure and function of vestibular organs,and in protection and repair processes following damage to the vestibular organs.