Vestibular Endolymph-Producing Epithelium Electron Microscopic Study of the Development and Histochemistry of the Dark Cells of the Crista ampullaris

Abstract

The dark cells of the ampullae have structural features that suggest that they may be engaged in the production of endolymph. They have a complicated folded membrane system resting on a basement membrane which resembles the cells of the distal convoluted tubules of the kidney and other sites of fluid secretion. ATP-ase can be histochemically demonstrated on the surface of these folded membranes. The dark cells develop in stages from a simple cuboidal epithelium during maturation of the inner ear.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNG

Die histologische Untersuchung der Schläfenbeine bei einem Patienten mit Pendreds Syndrom zeigte eine doppelseitige Missbildung des inneren Ohres vom Typ Mondinis.