メニエール病の基礎研究

抄録

Ménière’s disease is a disorder characterized by endolymphatic hydrops, whose histopathological features were first reported by Yamakawa, Hallpike, and Cairns. Factors thought to contribute to the development of endolymphatic hydrops include those related to genetics, infection, the vascular system, diet, allergies, the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, and autoimmunity. While stress has long been known to contribute to the onset or exacerbation of the symptoms of Ménière’s disease, recent studies have reported a specific association with elevated serum antidiuretic hormone (AVP) levels. AVP plays a crucial role in water metabolism and has been confirmed to act on the stria vascularis of the inner ear. Furthermore, AVP administration has been shown to increase the volume of the endolymphatic space, suggesting it may be a mechanism involved in causing endolymphatic hydrops. Genetic studies on familial Ménière’s disease have identified mutations in genes such as OTOG and FAM136A. These findings hold potential for developing new animal models and therapeutic approaches.