Fracture faces of the junctional complexes in the reticular membrane of the organ of corti

Abstract

The junctional complexes in the reticular membrane of the organ of Corti have been investigated in chinchilla inner ear by the freeze-fracture method. Extremely developed zonulae occludentes were observed where the supporting cells contact each other and the sensory cells. These junctions can be considered “very tight” and completely seal off the tunnel of Corti, Nuel's space and the outer tunnel from the endolymph, as observed by investigations carried out by using tracers. The zonulae occludentes between Hensen's cells are always uninterrupted but considerably lower than among supporting and sensory cells.