Recent Refinements of Quantitative Microchemical Analysis of Tissues and Cells of the Inner Ear

Abstract

The application of the quantitative histo-and cytochemical method of Lowry to microscopic structures of the inner ear is illustrated in several examples. The total energy reserve and the metabolic rate of inner ear structures are estimated on the basis of measurements of metabolite levels at resting conditions and following ischemia. Recent technical refinements, such as the separation of the organ of Corti into cell layers and the dissection of single hair cells, are described and preliminary chemical results presented. Value and limitations of the approach for the study of pathological states are briefly discussed.