Regional estimates of hair cells and supporting cells in the human crista ampullaris

Abstract

Regional estimates of type I and type II vestibular hair cells (HC) and supporting cell (SC) numbers were obtained from the horizontal crista ampullaris by using design-based stereology in human. Cristae were microdissected from temporal bones obtained post-mortem (N=16, age range 26-98 years). Three groups were made according to age: group 1, n=5, ages between 26 and 67 years, average age 51 years; group 2, n=4, average age 84 years; and group 3, n=7, average age 94 years. For group 1, the average total HC number was 8,005+/-214, corresponding to 4,119+/-107 type I HC, 3,886+/-117 type II HC, and 10,274+/-224 SC. The type I:type II HC ratio was 1.06+/-0.01, and HC density was 0.80 cells/100 microm2. For group 2, the average total HC number was 7,074+/-489, corresponding to 3,733+/-212 type I HC, 3,341+/-314 type II HC, and 9,321+/-858 SC. The type I:II HC ratio was 1.12+/-0.06, and HC density was 0.75 cells/100 microm2. For group 3, the average HC number was 6,009+/-327, corresponding to 3,380+/-223 type I HC, 2,628+/-235 type II HC, and 10,185+/-182 SC. The type I:II HC ratio was 1.34+/-0.10, and HC density was 0.63 cells/100 microm2. A significant decline in type I, type II, and total HC number and density was found in groups 2 and 3, with individuals exceeding the average human life span.