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Auditory epithelial migration. II: Morphological evidence for auditory epidermal cell migration in rat
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital (Akademiska sjukhuset), Uppsala, Sweden.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Rat tympanic membrane (TM) epidermis exhibits "finger-like projections" in the external auditory canal (EAC). These projections disappear after perforation but reappear upon healing, indicating epidermal cell migration and maturation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The external auditory canal (EAC) and tympanic membrane (TM) are crucial for hearing.
- Epidermal morphology in the EAC annulus varies between species, with rats exhibiting unique "finger-like projections".
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology of "finger-like projections" in the rat EAC annulus.
- To assess changes in these projections following TM perforation and healing.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of rat EAC and TM morphology.
- Comparison with guinea-pig EAC morphology.
- Analysis of intact, perforated, and healed TM conditions.
Main Results:
- Intact rat EAC annulus shows "finger-like projections"; these are absent in guinea-pigs.
- TM perforation causes disappearance of projections on the perforated side, while they persist on the malleus side.
- Projections recur in the EAC annulus by 42 days post-perforation.
Conclusions:
- "Finger-like projections" likely reflect epidermal cell maturation (keratinization) and desquamation.
- These projections may serve as morphological indicators of epidermal cell migration on the TM.