Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Selective Tracing of Auditory Fibers in the Avian Embryonic Vestibulocochlear Nerve
Published on: March 18, 2013
Actin-associated proteins and fibronectin in the fetal human inner ear
M Anniko1, L E Thornell, I Virtanen
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
Abstract:
The distribution of alpha-actinin, vinculin, alpha-spectrin, beta-spectrin and fibronectin was analyzed in 14- to 21-week-old fetal human inner ears using immunofluorescence microscopy. Staining for alpha-actinin was fairly evenly distributed at the epithelial surfaces of all five vestibular organs, whereas in the cochlea it was mainly at the surface of the receding greater epithelial ridge and in some foci apically at the lesser epithelial ridge. Fluorescence for vinculin was observed mainly at the surface of vestibular organs, but was lacking in the LER. Intense fluorescence for alpha-spectrin was found at the apical surface of individual cells of the cristae and maculae. Antibodies against beta-spectrin mainly stained the endothelial cells of blood vessels, but faint staining of the epithelial cell surfaces of the vestibular organs was also detected. The fluorescence pattern of the actin-associated proteins is indicative of structural differences between cochlear and vestibular hair cells. Fibronectin was identified only between mesenchymal cells and its functional importance in the mature inner ear epithelia can be discounted.
Related Concept Videos
Hair Cells
Formation of Higher-order Actin Filaments
The high-order actin networks...
Fibronectins Connect Cells with ECM
Both proteoglycans and collagen are attached to fibronectin proteins, which, in turn, are attached to integrin proteins. These integrin proteins interact with transmembrane...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
The Auditory Ossicles
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
Anatomy of the Ear

