Characterization of mouse melanocytes reveals ultrastructural and immunological insights into the inner ear function.

ABSTRACT: Melanocytes are important components of the inner-ear cellular architecture. However, limited morphological research hinders our understanding of inner-ear function. Here, we characterize the morphology of inner-ear melanocytes and cells often misidentified as melanocytes. Immunofluorescence, smart-seq, transmission/field emission scanning electron microscopy, and immunoelectron microscopy are used. Cells previously referred to as "perivascular macrophage-like melanocytes" are not observed in the stria vascularis and are actually macrophages; along with melanocytes, they constitute intermediate cells. Cells with a "black ball" appearance in the vestibule are identified as macrophages. We examine variation in melanocytes or macrophages with age, strain, and cisplatin injury. Kir4.1 expressi

SUBMITTER: Cai J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12946316 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature