Development of the endolymphatic sac in chick embryos, with reference to the degradation of otoconia.
The endolymphatic sac of chick embryos (from embryonic day 7 to 1-day-old chicks) was studied light- and electron-microscopically. At stage 30-31 (embryonic day 7-7.5), the epithelial cells of the endolymphatic sac were cuboidal to columnar in shape. Microvilli were relatively well developed. The intercellular space was wide. In the endolymphatic space of the endolymphatic sac, varying shapes and sizes of otoconia-like bodies were often observed. Intracytoplasmic phagosomes containing these bodies were rarely found. After stage 37 (embryonic day 11), otoconia-like bodies in the endolymphatic sac decreased in number and size. They were almost the same as the otoconia in the macular organs, ultrastructurally. These findings indicate that the endolymphatic sac of the chick embryos may possess the function of otoconial degradation and removal of calcium from otoconia.
Yoshihara
T
T
Department of Otolaryngology, Tokyo Women's Medical College, Japan.
Kaname
H
H
Narita
N
N
Ishii
T
T
Igarashi
M
M
Fermin
C D
CD
D000818:Animals; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002923:Cilia / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004712:Endolymphatic Sac / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure