Abstract
In order to analyze the cell kinetics of the component cells of the cochlea, we have carried out the Feulgen-DNA cytofluorometry on these cells of human by “serial section method” as reported previously.
The result obtained from 16 cases (0 to 87y. o.) revealed all the hair cells and pillar cells gave diploid G1 pattern in DNA distribution. But Hensen's cells in 7 cases (9 to 87y. o.) and Deiters' cells in 2 cases (58 and 79y. o.) included tetraploid cells and Hensen's cells in one case (33y. o.) included a octaploid cell. Interestingly, polyploidization of Hensen's cells was observed almost allways in the neighborhood of the damaged hair cells and the polyploid cells seemed to occupy the empty space.
These results indicate that some of the supporting cells in organ of Corti can synthesize the nuclear DNA. This polyploidization may be involved in the compensatory mechanism of damaged organ of Corti.
