The Inner Ear in Bronx Waltzer Mice

Abstract

The gene Bronx waltzer in the mouse leads to the absence or malformation of the inner hair cells as well as to abnormalities of the rods of Corti and degeneration of the maculae and cristae. This degeneration is so severe and appears so early that these organs probably never function. The only sensory cells in the inner ear that are not affected are the outer hair cells. As the abnormalities of the inner hair cells and of the rods are of the same kind and tend to occur together in the cochlear duct. it seems likely that these cells are developmentally closely related.