Cochlear Vascular Anatomy in A Strain of the Waltzing Guinea Pig

Abstract

The vascular anatomy of the cochlea was examined in waltzing guinea pigs from a strain with a dominant mode of inheritance. Previous investigations have shown a progressive degeneration of the hair cells, starting at birth and rendering the organ of Corti practically devoid of hair cells after 6-8 weeks. The vessels were visualized by contrast injection and a surface-specimen method. All vascular structures of the cochleae were examined in the four cochlear turns. The vascular density and vessel diameters were measured for statistical evaluation. Though the whole organ of Corti eventually disappeared, no abnormality was found in the vascular system. These findings support the view that the genetic defect in this strain of the waltzing guinea pig does not exert its effect through a deficiency of the vessels.