Nerve fibres of the endolymphatic sac: Electronmicroscopic findings in the Mongolian gerbil

Abstract

The presence of separate bundles of nerve fibres in the gerbilline endolymphatic sac (ES) is described, paying particular attention to their ultrastructure and localization. One bundle, localized in the area of the subepithelium which separates the sigmoid sinus from the ES, is composed only of myelinated fascicles which, moreover, seem to have an isolated contact with the ES area. Other two single nerve fibres, much smaller in caliber, are localized in the ES subepithelium and laterally to the ES area, still close to the sigmoid sinus. These fibres, composed of myelinated and unmyelinated fascicles, seem to have a rather longitudinal orientation and, moreover, contract close relationships with the rich vascular network of the ES subepithelial tissue. As far as the course is concerned, the serial sectioning technique would suggest that the nerve fibres get very close to the ES epithelial cell layer, going proximal to distal. Speculations on the origin of this nerve contingent in the ES are proposed and discussed in view of possible new theories for pathogenesis and therapy of some inner ear diseases.