Abstract
Binaural chinchillas were exposed at normal incidence to 160 dB peak SPL impulse noise at the rate of 2 impulses per min for 50 min. Animals were sacrificed at post‐exposure times varying from t = 0 through 30 days. The cochleas were prepared for SEM observation using a standard protocol. Immediately following exposure, a large (6‐mm) area of the organ of Corti was separated from its attachments to the basilar membrane along a fracture line that follows the outer pillar cells. The separated portion of the organ of Corti is left floating in the scala media with both ends attached to viable portions of the remaining sensory epithelia. Surprisingly, in the denuded areas of the basilar membrane, the inner hair cell surface structure remains comparatively normal during the early post‐exposure times while outer hair cells in the region bordering the main lesion show considerable changes in cilia structure and in the appearance of the reticular lamina‐cuticular plate complex. Scar formation and the absorption/phagocytosis of the free‐floating portions of the organ of Corti will be described, as well as the differing susceptibilities of inner and outer hair cell cilia to morphological changes. [Work supported by U.S. Army Med R and D Command, DAMD 17‐80‐C‐0133.]
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