Tannic acid staining of the cell coat of the organ of Corti.
Tannic acid staining of the cell coat of the organ of Corti shows a deep asymmetry between the endo- and the perilymphatic surfaces, the former being 6 times thicker. This fact may be related to a barrier mechanism against potassium-induced cell damage. Horizontal cross-links between stereocilia were heavily stained, but vertical ones were not preserved, thus suggesting they are not glycoconjugates.
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006652:Histological Techniques; D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009925:Organ of Corti / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013634:Tannins
D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins; D013634:Tannins