Observation of Surface Structure and Nerve Innervation in Inner Ear End Organs by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy.

Abstract

We describe the clear resolution of the surface structure and nerve innervation of the end organs of the inner ear using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The surface structure of the inner ear organs that were stained by phalloidin-FITC could be clearly observed by CLSM. The nerve endings of the hair cells, stained by a neurofilament marker, could also be detected by CLSM. Type I and II hair cells of the vestibular end organs could be distinguished by observation of the morphology of the nerve endings. CLSM is a very useful approach for the study of the inner ear organs.