[Stereociliary cross-links on the guinea pig utricle hair cells].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the cross-links between stereocilia on guinea pig utricle hair cells.


METHODS
Twenty-four utricles from pigmented guinea pigs were examined using high resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).


RESULTS
An extensive network of cross-links occurs between stereocilia of utricle hair cells. These links fall into three categories. Upward-pointing links: from the tips of shorter stereocilia to the side of the adjacent taller stereocilia; Side-to-side links: between stereocilia of the same row; Row-to-row links: between adjacent rows.


CONCLUSIONS
The existence of the stereociliary cross-links binds the hair bundles together and may be associated with the transduction process.
Wu
W Q
WQ
Department of Otolaryngology, Nanshan People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518052.
D000818:Animals; D002923:Cilia / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning