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Figure 2 | BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders

Figure 2

From: Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis of vestibular endorgans in Meniere's disease reveals basement membrane pathology

Figure 2

Light microscopy photomicrograph of the superior crista and utricular macula from patients with Meniere's disease. (A) Cross-section of the superior crista at the planum semilunatum level. The SE demonstrated disorganization of the cytoarchitecture. Stereocilia were absent from the lumen (LU). The underlying stroma (ST) appeared normal. (B) High magnification view from (A). The epithelium demonstrated HC (HC) loss and degenerative changes. HCs showed perinuclear vacuoles and SC (SC) cytoplasm was expanded into areas of HC loss. The stroma, fibroblast and nerve fibers (NF) appeared normal. Thickening of the BM underneath the SE was prominent (asterisk). (C) Cross-section of the macula utricle from another patient with Meniere's disease. The SE was almost normal. Type I HCs (HC 1) with their calyces are easily identified. There were no stereocilia present. Type II HCs were also noted (HC 2). The u BM demonstrated mild thickening (asterisk). The ST and NF within are normal. Bar in A = 125 μm, B = 50 μm, C = 40 μm. Two-micron thin sections counterstained with osmium tetroxide and toluidine blue.

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