Ptok M, Carey T E, Altschuler R A
Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1993;250(6):345-50. doi: 10.1007/BF00188384.
As reported previously, monoclonal antibodies can be generated that bind against guinea pig cochlear structures. Preliminary immunohistochemical characterization revealed that one of these monoclonal antibodies (KHRI 3) most probably binds against a surface structure of guinea pig cochlear supporting cells. This study was undertaken to further characterize the KHRI 3 epitope in the cochlea. Since KHRI 3 immunolabeling appeared to be punctate and epitope expression was most pronounced in the reticular lamina, we hypothesized that KHRI 3 epitopes are related to microvilli. To prove this hypothesis immunoelectron microscopy was used. Also investigated was how epitope expression is altered in the reticular lamina microvilli following drug or noise-induced changes. When immunocytochemical results were compared to scanning electron microscopy findings, a striking correlation could be seen between changes in KRHI 3 immunolabeling and changes in the distribution of microvilli. These findings support the assumption that KHRI 3 epitopes are related to microvilli of inner ear supporting cells.
