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Updated: Jan 15, 2026

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears
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Changes in the Neurovascular Unit in Meniere's Disease

Steven D Curry1,2, Ivan A Lopez2, Gail Ishiyama2,3

  • 1House Clinic.

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
|October 9, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Meniere's disease involves significant loss of spiral ganglia neurons and blood vessels in the cochlea. These neurovascular unit changes suggest a new framework for understanding and treating this inner ear disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Meniere's disease (MD) is characterized by endolymphatic hydrops (EH), but its underlying causes remain unclear.
  • EH alone does not fully explain cochlear blood-labyrinthine barrier permeability changes or symptom fluctuations observed in MD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate degenerative changes in the neurovascular unit (NVU) of the human spiral ganglia (SG) in Meniere's disease (MD) patients.
  • To compare the NVU in MD patients with that of normal individuals to understand the basis of MD's clinical manifestations.

Main Methods:

  • Hematoxylin and eosin staining of cochlear sections from normal (n=5) and MD (n=8) temporal bones.
  • Immunofluorescence and laser confocal microscopy using antibodies for acetylated-3-tubulin (SGNs) and glucose transporter-1 (blood vessels).

Main Results:

  • A significant 50% decrease in spiral ganglia neurons (SGNs) was observed in MD patients compared to controls (P <0.05).
  • A 35% decrease in SGNs was also noted in the contralateral unaffected cochlea of MD patients.
  • Immunofluorescence revealed a marked reduction in blood vessels and a corresponding loss of SGNs in the cochlea of MD patients.

Conclusions:

  • The observed decrease in SGNs and associated blood vessels indicates regional cochlear damage in MD.
  • These findings suggest that neurovascular unit (NVU) integrity is critical for preserving SGNs in MD.
  • This study provides a framework for understanding MD etiology and treatment beyond EH, focusing on NVU interactions.
Keywords:
Blood labyrinthine barrierCochleaEndolymphatic hydropsMeniere's diseaseSpiral ganglion

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