The Ultrastructure of the Human Stria Vascularis. PART II

Abstract

A study was made of the pathological findings in the stria vascularis obtained from patients at the time of labyrinthectomy. Electron microscopy reveals structural alterations in the cells which would not have been obvious by light microscopy. All three types of cell are affected; the earliest and most frequent changes are found in the marginal cells. Atrophy is common; the most frequent sites are near the spiral prominence and near Reissner's membrane. In severe atrophy the basal cells align the endolymphatic surface. In a few specimens the marginal and intermediate cells show unusually high metabolic activities. A few highly vesiculated cell processes of undetermined origin are found in the deeper part of the stria vascularis. The intermediate cells and some cells in the spiral ligament show the morphological characteristics of secretory cells. There is no evidence of viral particles. Blood vessels are no different from those of the stria vascularis of non-Menière specimens. It cannot be stated with certainty that these findings, while representing definite pathological alterations, are related to Menière's disease as we do not yet know the norm for the ageing human ear.

Notes

This work was supported by U.S. Public Health Grant 5 R01 NS 03932-08.