Regional specialization of the cell coat in the hair cells of the organ of Corti.

The anionic sulfated groups of the cell coat glycoconjugates were studied in sensory and supporting cells of the organ of Corti with the colloidal iron hydroxide technique of Mowry, modified by Seno et al. [(1985) Histochemistry 82, 307-312]. This technique specifically stains the apical (endolymphatic) surface of both inner and outer hair cells. As this is the area at which the influx of potassium into the sensory cells takes place, the accumulation of negative charges in this location may be a mechanism to concentrate cations (mainly potassium) close to this portion of the hair cell membrane.