Neuron-specific enolase immunoreactivity in the developing mouse cochlea.

Onset of neuron-specific enolase reactivity was observed on gestation day 17 in spiral ganglion cells of the basal coil, and 2 days later in cochlear inner (IHC) and outer (OHC) hair cells. IHCs and OHCs were similarly reactive up to postnatal day 7, then the reactivity began to decrease in OHCs.