Three-dimensional structure of outer hair cell pillars.

Unlabelled: CONCLUSIONS. Electron tomography was used to generate three-dimensional reconstructions of the pillars that connect the cell membrane with the cytoskeleton of the outer hair cell. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that pillars are important for mechanically linking the membrane with the cytoskeleton.

Micro-lesions in Reissner's membrane evoked by acute hydrops.

In some pathological conditions excessive amounts of endolymph can accumulate and cause swelling, hydrops, of the membranous labyrinth. Reissner's membrane in the cochlea will distend and may even rupture. We have studied the effects of acute hydrops, followed for up to 5-6 h, in a preparation that allows continuous monitoring of structural alterations in individual cells in Reissner's membrane.