The surface morphology of the endolymphatic sac of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) (A scanning electron microscopic study)

Abstract

A scanning electron microscopic study of the endolymphatic sac of the mongolian gerbil is presented. As described in other animal species and in man. three rather distinct regions on the epithelial surface can also be recognized in this rodent. Light and dark cells are seen to line the sac epithelium throughout. At the level of the intermediate portion, however, a different cell-type—the granular cell—is present, with its luminal surface covered by large amounts of solid material.On the basis of light and transmission electron microscopic studies presented elsewhere, a higher degree of functional specialization in this portion of the gerbilline sac is proposed.

Does severe water deprivation affect the inner ear?

“…Sziklai et al (1987) have recently proposed that this hormone may participate in the regulation of the osmolality of the cochlear fluids. Dilated LIS, along with evident signs of high metabolic activity have earlier been described in the ES of the normal gerbil (Barbara et al, 1988b). These findings could be an effect of the active role played by the hormone in this small desert rodent.…”

Lack of pendrin expression leads to deafness and expansion of the endolymphatic compartment in inner ears ofFoxi1null mutant mice

“…Detailed morphological analysis of the endolymphatic duct/sac epithelium, using electron microscopy, suggests the presence of at least three distinct cell types. One of these cell types project microvilli into the endolymphatic duct/sac lumen (Barbara et al, 1988b). Even though our expression data do not allow any conclusions to be made with regard to which cell type(s) express Foxi1, Jag1, Coch and Pds (Fig.…”