Freeze-fracture studies on vestibular secretory cells and melanocytes

The fine structure of dark cells and melanocytes of the crista ampullaris was studied by using the freeze-fracture technique. For these studies we used normally pigmented guinea pigs, as well as those with experimentally induced endolymphatic hydrops. The results suggest the vestibular secretory region to be an area of unusually high dynamics. In the experimental animals the cell processes of the melanocytes gain closer contact with the dark cells as well as with the subepithelial capillaries. There is considerable evidence of secretory transfer of different substances, especially ions.