Succinate dehydrogenase and mitochondria in the hair cells in the organ of Corti of mature and old shaker-1 mice.

The activity of succinate dehydrogenase in the sensory hair cells in the organ of Corti of mature and old shaker-1 mice described as the animals grew older, the outer hair cells being the most effected. The decrease inactivity of this enzyme was closely linked with the degeneration of the mitochondria. When mitochondria were absent or grossly degenerated there was no enzyme activity. It is possible that this defect is linked with the deafness in these mice.