The Histochemistry of Dark Cells in the Vestibular Labyrinth

Abstract

Dark cells in the vejtibular labyrinth from colored guinea pigs were studied with histcchemical methods for a number of various enzyme systems. High enzyme acl-ivities were observed in the dark cells. Their histochemical reactions were present diffusely throughout the entire cytoplasm. The dark cells displayed alrnost the same degree of enzyme activities as cells cmf the stria vascularis. Presumably, these cells may be engaged in high energy-consumption with the possible purpose of secretion and/or absorption of endolymph.