Nonerythroid spectrin (fodrin) is a prominent component of the cochlear hair cells.

We studied the distribution of nonerythroid spectrin, fodrin, in surface preparations and cryosections of the cochlear hair cells as well as isolated hair cells of the guinea pig by using a monoclonal antibody (Mab) reacting with Mr 240 kD alpha-fodrin polypeptide. The Mab gave a strong reaction with the cuticular plate of both the inner and outer hair cells (IHCs and OHCs). Stereocilia were nonreactive and only a weak cell surface reaction was seen in the supporting cells. In the outer hair cells the upper turns of the cochlea, fodrin was observed in a cytoplasmic spiralling structure extending from the cuticular plate towards the cell nucleus. Some labelling was also seen along the cell surface membrane and in the synaptic region. The results suggest that fodrin may be an important constituent in the active processes of hair cells such as cell motility and/or signal transduction.