Histochemistry and Metabolism of the Inner Ear

Dohlman, G. F.

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-65942-3_6

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 142 publications

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“…It is now known that melanocytes mainly exist in the subepithelial layer of almost all parts of the mammalian inner ear (Dohlmann, 1974), however, we are the only group to date to have clearly demonstrated the existence of gap junctions between melanocytes and their cell processes in the vestibular organ of the human inner ear (Masuda et al, 1994, 1996). Clinically, vestibular and hearing disorders have been found in hereditary pigment disorders such as Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease and Waardenburg syndrome (Hülse and Partsch, 1971; Schweitzer and Clack, 1984).…”

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confidence: 93%

Connexin 26 distribution in gap junctions between melanocytes in the human vestibular dark cell area

et al. 2001

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We have previously demonstrated the presence of gap junctions between melanocytes in the human vestibular organ and have speculated that melanocytes function in maintaining the homeostasis of the microenvironment of the inner ear. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the expression and ultrastructural localization of connexin (Cx) protein in melanocytes of the human vestibular organs. Surgical material was obtained from patients operated on for vestibular schwannoma and was processed for light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, conventional TEM, and immuno TEM. The specimens were labeled with anti‐Cx26, Cx32, and Cx43 antibodies and examined by light microscopy. Specimens were also labeled with anti‐Cx26 antibody and examined by laser microscopy and immuno‐TEM methods. The specimens examined in this study were mainly dark cell areas from the human vestibular organ, whose epithelial and subepithelial layers are rich in melanocytes. Light‐microscopic immunohistochemical studies showed positive labeling for Cx26 protein between subepithelial melanocytes, and Cx32 was also detected. Use of anti‐Cx26 antibody and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed high levels of Cx26 around the subepithelial melanocytes. Post‐embedding immuno‐gold transmission electron microscopy showed significant aggregation of gold particles (33.97 ± 8.01% of total gold particles) around the gap junctions of the subepithelial melanocytes. The results of this study indicated that melanocytes are connected through gap junctions that mainly contain Cx26. This suggested that the melanocytes in the human vestibular organ may play a role in transporting material between the endolymph and perilymph. Anat Rec 262:137–146, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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confidence: 93%

Connexin 26 distribution in gap junctions between melanocytes in the human vestibular dark cell area

et al. 2001

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“…These portions were the dark cell areas where melanocytes assemble in the subepithelial layer (Kimura, 1969;Dolhmann, 1974). Studies by light or electron microscopy have revealed no apparent structural differences between materials taken from different parts of the vestibular organ.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Melanocytes exist in almost all parts of the mammalian inner ear (Dolhmann, 1974). Melanocytes in the mammalian inner ear may play an essential role in inner ear metabolism because of the characteristic physiological functions of melanosomes.…”

Section: Melanocyte Network In the Human Inner Earmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Melanocytes are present in almost all parts of mammalian inner ear such as the cochlear duct, stria vascularis, Reisnner's membrane, modiolus, vestibular organs, and pars rugosa of the endolymphatic sac (Dolhmann, 1974). In the vestibular organs, melanocytes assemble in the subepithelial layer of the dark cell area of anterior, lateral, and posterior semicircular canals and utricles (Kimura, 1969).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Ultrastructural recognition of gap junctions between melanocytes in human vestibular organs by tannic acid containing fixative preparation and freeze-fracture technique

et al. 1996

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“…1 This technique has also been used by several laboratories to provide some qualitative data on cochlear metabolism [2][3][4][5][6] and has contributed to our present understanding of metabolic activity of the cochlea. While there are a few studies describing the metabolism of the vestibular end organs, 7 there have been no quantitative investigations, and our knowledge of the metabolic processes within the vestibular system is essentially nonexistent. Since the pathophysiology of several diseases afflicting vestibular function has been postulated to reflect alterations in the cellular metabolism, a baseline understanding of the metabolic activity in the healthy state would be valuable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Glucose Utilization of the Rat Vestibular End Organs: A Quantitative 2-Deoxyglucose Study

Olds

Lyon

1997

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol

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The local metabolic rate of glucose utilization (LMRglc) for the rat vestibular end organs was determined with a modification of the [14C]deoxyglucose method. Data are expressed as micromoles per 100 g per minute +/- SEM. Results indicate that the LMRglc is similar within the utricle (40.3 +/- 3.2) and saccule (41.2 +/- 5.5) and significantly higher than that for the superior (20.1 +/- 2.9), posterior (25.4 +/- 2.0), or lateral canal (22.0 +/- 2.6) ampullae. These differences in LMRglc may be related to differences in the ratios of sensory to nonsensory cells, dark cell distributions, response to acoustic stimulation, or activity levels during the experimental period. Given the high blood flow rates reported for the vestibular end organs by Lyon and coworkers, a much higher LMRglc was expected. Together, these data would suggest that delivery of metabolites is not a primary regulating force for vestibular blood flow. Instead, the primary reason for a high blood flow rate may be waste removal, the maintenance of pH, ion balance, and/or temperature.

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Histochemistry and Metabolism of the Inner Ear

Cited by 4 publications

References 142 publications

Connexin 26 distribution in gap junctions between melanocytes in the human vestibular dark cell area

Connexin 26 distribution in gap junctions between melanocytes in the human vestibular dark cell area

Ultrastructural recognition of gap junctions between melanocytes in human vestibular organs by tannic acid containing fixative preparation and freeze-fracture technique

Glucose Utilization of the Rat Vestibular End Organs: A Quantitative 2-Deoxyglucose Study

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