Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Endolymphatic Sac Epithelium

Abstract

In this study, scanning electron micrographs of the dog endolymphatic sac surface epithelium are presented. According to our morphological findings, three portions were recognized, the proximal, intermediate and distal part. The intermediate or ‘rugose’ portion was found the most differentiated where two types of cells were identified. These cells were seen to have many of the criteria for fluid absorption and phagocytosis. In man, alteration in the ability of these cells may lead to endolymphatic hydrops.

Ultrastructural Aspects of the Endolymphatic Organ in the Frog Rana esculenta

“…4). This interpretation, which is substantially in accordance with that of Harada and Gaafar (1976) and Lundquist (1976), is further supported by the finding of cellular debris on the surface of these cells.…”

“…This is loose, areolar in type without any elastic fibrils or adjoining smooth muscle cells. Finally, we have not observed kinocilia in the epithelial cells of the endolymphatic sac of Rana esculenta, as were reported by Harada and Gaafar (1976) in the dog.…”

“…1). Qualitatively it was not possible to distinguish light cells from dark cells on the basis of the abundance of microvilli on individual cells, as was demonstrated by Harada and Gaafar (1976) in the endolymphatic sacs of dogs. Frequently the epithelial cells exhibit blebs on the surface of the cells.…”

The surface morphology of the endolymphatic sac of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) (A scanning electron microscopic study)

“…Discussion different epithelial regions in the gerbilline sac: a proximal, an intermediate and a distal part (Guild, 1927). From a morphological point of view the arrangement Light and dark cells have been identified according to of the cell population enables us to distinguish three the criteria suggested by Harada and Gaafar (1976), namely: a large number of microvilli on the light cells, and a smooth surface, almost devoid of luminal structures, on the dark cells. These cells form the epithelial population of the distal and proximal portions, though there is a slight prevalence of dark cells.…”

“…By comparison, considerably less is known about the morphology and function of the sac. Recently, however, interest in this structure has been growing and several investigators have carried out studies with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) both in animal models (Lundquist, 1965;Mitani et al, 1973;Harada and Gaafar, 1976) and in humans (Schindler, 1979;Schindler et al, 1979;. The ES is thought to play a significant role in the regulation and maintenance of the ionic composition of the endolymphatic compartment and of its fluid volume and hydrostatic pressure (Bagger-Sjoback and .…”