Figure 4

Transmission electron micrographs of the sensory epithelia from patients with Meniere's disease. (A) The luminal portion (LU) of the crista SE shows no stereocilia and no stereocilia roots. Vacuolization of HCs (HC) and the apical portion of supporting cell (SC) cytoplasm was frequently observed (short arrows). (B) Higher magnification portion of the luminal portion of the SC demonstrates vacuoles (short arrows). The zonula occludens (ZO) region, where tight junctions are located, appeared disorganized with numerous vacuoles (ZO). (C) The apical portion of the utricular macula epithelia. There was a pronounced vacuolization or microvessicles of the upper cytoplasm of SC (short arrows). The HC often demonstrated perinuclear vacuoles (asterisk). (D) A type I HC (HC 1) is easily identifiable by their surrounding nerve calyx (NC). Note the perinuclear vacuolization (asterisk). Bar in A = 5 μm, B = 2 μm, C = 1 μm, D = 1.5 μm. Ultrathin sections counterstained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.