DEGENERATIVE CHANGES OF THE OTOLITHIC LAYERS OF THE VESTIBULAR ORGANS IN STREPTOMYCIN-OTOTOXICOSIS

抄録

In all examined specimens of streptomycin-treated animals, small otoliths crystals decreased in number in the striola, in the peripheral margins as well as on the upper surface of the otolithic layer. This decrease of otolith crystals in number was most prominent in the striola and in its short extensions at both ends. The upper surface of the otolithic layer was rather flat and neither obvious furrows nor ridges were found on it except for the striola.
In all specimens of severely damaged animals, only a few giant otoliths, most of which were 50 p long, were detected on the otolithic membrane. Several likely reasons for the degenerative changes of the otolithic membrane as well as the otolithic layers in strep-tomycin-ototoxicosis were discussed.