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[Hormone-producing (paracrine) cells in the human labyrinth].
Laryngologie, Rhinologie, Otologie
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Immunohistochemistry revealed somatostatin in the inner ear's spiral prominence epithelial cells. Its concentration gradient suggests a local paracrine system within the cochlea, impacting inner ear function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- The spiral prominence is a key structure in the cochlea.
- Epithelial cells play crucial roles in inner ear physiology.
- Somatostatin is a neuropeptide with diverse biological functions.
Purpose:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of somatostatin in the spiral prominence epithelial cells.
- To elucidate the potential role of somatostatin in the inner ear.
- To explore the possibility of a local paracrine system within the cochlea.
Summary:
- Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of immunoreactive somatostatin within the covering epithelial cells of the spiral prominence.
- Somatostatin concentration was observed to increase progressively from the basal turn towards the apical turn of the cochlea.
- Ultrastructural examination identified secretory granules (250-350 nm) in these cells, indicative of active secretion.
Impact:
- These findings support the existence of an intrinsic paracrine system within the inner ear.
- This local somatostatin system may play a regulatory role in cochlear function.
- Further research into this paracrine system could reveal new therapeutic targets for hearing disorders.