Abstract
There are indications that endolymphatic sac (ES) may be an immunologically active part of the inner ear. So far, no microorganisms or foreign substances have been localized in this area under 'normal' conditions. Only a limited number of human specimens, including the entire endolymphatic duct (ED) and ES, have been collected and analyzed from cadavers or surgical biopsy specimens. In this study, 6 human ED and ES collected from cadavers and at surgery were analyzed by light and electron microscopy. This was done in order to investigate if microorganisms may normally be drained at this route into the ES. Some microorganisms (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) were found in the lumen and subepithelial tissue of 1 human ED. These observations suggest that microorganisms may also be locally processed and disposed at the level of the ED. These results add further evidence as to the immunodefensive role of the human ES.
Published Version
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