[Ultrastructural changes of the cochlea in guinea pigs with acute bacterial otitis media]

Acute bacterial otitis media was induced in guinea pigs with H. influenzae to investigate the ultrastructural changes of the organ of Corti. The results showed that the stereocilia in the organ of Corti adjacent to the round window was disoriented and partially disappeared, there was an increase in the number of lysosomes and marked aggregation of smooth endoplasmic reticula, the surface of the supporting cells was damaged and broken. The most prominent damages were observed on specimens 7 days following the middle ear inoculation with H. influenzae. The damages to the supporting cells were repaired 21 days after the inoculation though the damaged stereocilia did not show any sign of recovery.