[Electron microscopic studies on the glycocalyx of the utricular macula following amikacin in guinea pigs].

Twelve guinea pigs were randomly separated into 4 groups, one group as control, the other groups were given different dosages of Amikacin for 5 days. Ten days later, the animals were killed by decapitation and the right utricular maculae removed. After staining with reuthenium red, the glycocalyx was observed under TEM. In the control group, the glycocalyx was found covering the surface of both cells and sensory hairs and forming cross links with all the sensory hairs in the same hair band. The main changes in the experimental groups were: 1. decrease or disappearance of glycocalyx on the surface of cells and hairs; 2. fusion of sensory hairs and large blebs formed at the side of hairs. The results of the present study suggest that the decrease or disappearance of glycocalyx may be the first change of the damages caused by Amikacin.