title: Holes in the reticular lamina after noise exposure: implication for continuing damage in the organ of Corti.
abstract: Three different histological techniques (scanning electron microscopy, phase contrast microscopy and light microscopy) were used to examine the organ of Corti after a damaging noise exposure. In the region of maximal injury, all outer hair cells were missing 1-2 h after the exposure had ended. Degenerated hair cells are eventually replaced by phalangeal scars. However, in these short-term recovery ears, a series of holes which were the exact size and shape of the missing outer hair cell apices were found in the reticular lamina. These holes may provide a communication route between the endolymphatic space and the fluid spaces of the organ of Corti for a period of time following a damaging noise exposure. The noise-related degeneration of supporting cells, nerve fibers and even some sensory cells may be secondary to contamination of the fluid spaces with potassium-rich endolymph.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002682:Chinchilla; D004710:Endolymph; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000473:pathology; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000473:pathology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009925:Organ of Corti / Q000473:pathology*; D012533:Scala Tympani / Q000473:pathology