Degeneration of the stria vascularis during development in melanocyte-deficient mutant rats (Ws/Ws rats)

Developmental changes in the stria vascularis of white spotting (Ws) rats were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopes and by diaminobenzidine-staining techniques. The stria of Ws/Ws homozygote rats was found to have both pigmented and non-pigmented portions. While the pigmented portions possessed intermediate cells in the same manner as the stria of wild +/+ rats, the non-pigmented portions lacked the cells. Examination at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 14 weeks after birth revealed a progressive degeneration in the marginal cells and strial capillaries in the non-pigmented portions. At 1 week, no significant differences were seen in the marginal cells of any of the rats examined. At 2 weeks, the basolateral infoldings of the marginal cells were seen to be well developed and adult-like in the pigmented portions of Ws/Ws rats and in +/+ rats. In the non-pigmented portions, the basolateral infoldings of the marginal cells appeared well developed; however, vacant spaces were seen around the basolateral infoldings. At 3 weeks, the basolateral infoldings of the marginal cells in the non-pigmented portions had become more atrophic, and the empty spaces around the basolateral infoldings had enlarged. Also, the marginal cells themselves had become flatter or thinner. These findings became more prominent at 4 weeks and 6 weeks. At 8 weeks and 14 weeks after birth, the marginal cells appeared markedly flat, and no basolateral infoldings were seen in the non-pigmented portions. Pigmented portions of the stria in Ws/Ws rats, on the other hand, showed normal development throughout this period. A DAB-staining examination of the stria capillary net in Ws/Ws rats showed it to be well developed at 3 weeks in both pigmented and non-pigmented portions. At 8 weeks, a thickening of the capillary basement membrane was apparent. The above findings lead the authors to believe that intermediate cells play an important role in the development and maintenance of marginal cells and the strial capillary system.