Figure 5

Systemically applied NT-3 reaches the cochlea. The number of intact neurons expressing (A-H) NT-3, (I-M) BDNF and (N-Q) TrkB homogeneously was higher in (A,E,I, and N) uninfected controls in contrast to infected mice ((B,F,K, and O) placebo-treated; (C,G,L, and P) dexamethasone-treated; (D,H,M, and Q) NT-3-treated). Only (D,H) NT-3-treated mice showed increased staining for NT-3, indicating that systemically applied NT-3 reached the spiral ganglion. (For staining details and qualitative blinded assessment of pictures see text).