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Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry
Volume 51 (11): 1491-1500, 2003
Copyright ©The Histochemical Society, Inc.

Network Organization of Interstitial Connective Tissue Cells in the Human Endolymphatic Duct

Anna-Karin H. Hultgård–Ekwall, Vincent Couloigner, Kristofer Rubin and Helge Rask–Andersen

Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (A-KHH–E,KR), University of Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Otolaryngology (HR–A), Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden; and Department of Physiology (VC), Hôpital Vichat, Paris, France

Correspondence to: Dr. Anna-Karin H. Ekwall, Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Uppsala Biomedical Center, Box 582, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: Anna-Karin.Ekwall{at}imbim.uu.se

The human endolymphatic duct (ED) and sac of the inner ear have been suggested to control endolymph volume and pressure. However, the physiological mechanisms for these processes remain obscure. We investigated the organization of the periductal interstitial connective tissue cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) in four freshly fixed human EDs by transmission electron microscopy and by immunohistochemistry. The unique surgical material allowed a greatly improved structural and epitopic preservation of tissue. Periductal connective tissue cells formed frequent intercellular contacts and focally occurring electron-dense contacts to ECM structures, creating a complex tissue network. The connective tissue cells also formed contacts with the basal lamina of the ED epithelium and the bone matrix, connecting the ED with the surrounding bone of the vestibular aqueduct. The interstitial connective tissue cells were non-endothelial and non-smooth muscle fibroblastoid cells. We suggest that the ED tissue network forms a functional mechanical entity that takes part in the control of inner ear fluid pressure and endolymph resorption.

(J Histochem Cytochem 51:1491–1500, 2003)

Key Words: basal lamina • intercellular adhesion • cell–ECM contacts • interstitial fluid pressure • Ménière's disease


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