Immunolocalization of Na+,K(+)-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase in the gerbil's vestibular system.

The distribution of two ion transport enzymes in the vestibular system was investigated immunocytochemically. Immunostaining demonstrated abundant Na+,K(+)-ATPase in the basolateral plasmalemma of all dark cells and of cuboidal (transitional) cells bordering maculae and planum semilunatum cells bordering cristae. Na+,K(+)-ATPase was also present in nerve terminals impinging on vestibular hair cells and around nerve fibers and ganglion cells. Na+,K(+)-ATPase containing cells with fine intertwining processes were found within the perilymphatic stroma beneath maculae and cristae. These cells and interspersed nerves form a distinct, highly cellular plate that lies under neurosensory epithelium selectively. The catalytic alpha subunit of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in vestibular epithelia differs antigenically from the alpha subunit in nerves and from the alpha subunit in salivary gland and renal epithelium. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) isozyme II was localized in the apex of all supporting cells in neurosensory epithelia. In contrast, CA II immunostaining varied in vestibular dark cells showing heterogeneity in ion transport activity among these cells. Immunostaining evidenced CA II also in perilymphatic stromal cells which were presumably fibroblastic in nature and which correspond in location with the Na+,K(+)-ATPase positive cells under the vestibular neurosensory epithelium.