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Innervation of the endolymphatic sac
P B Brechtelsbauer1, A R Baxter, J Prazma
1Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27599-7070.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|March 1, 1992
Summary
This study demonstrates autonomic nerve fibers in the endolymphatic sac for the first time. This newly discovered innervation may regulate blood flow and function, impacting endolymph homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Physiology
Background:
- The endolymphatic sac is crucial for maintaining endolymph balance.
- Blood flow within the endolymphatic sac influences its function.
- Autonomic innervation's role in endolymphatic sac blood flow was previously unproven.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and demonstrate catecholaminergic and cholinergic nerve fibers in the endolymphatic sac.
- To investigate potential autonomic control over endolymphatic sac vascularization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunocytochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase to detect catecholaminergic fibers.
- Employed histochemistry for acetylcholinesterase to identify cholinergic fibers.
- Examined whole-mounted endolymphatic sacs from Hartley guinea pigs using light microscopy.
Main Results:
- Successfully visualized tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (catecholaminergic) fibers.
- Detected acetylcholinesterase-positive (cholinergic) fibers, some associated with blood vessels.
- Established the presence of previously undescribed innervation in the endolymphatic sac.
Conclusions:
- The endolymphatic sac possesses both catecholaminergic and cholinergic innervation.
- This autonomic innervation may play a significant role in regulating endolymphatic sac blood flow.
- The findings suggest a novel mechanism influencing endolymph homeostasis.