Antigen Fate in the Inner Ear Immune Responses

Abstract

In the primary KLH inner ear challenge, free KLH deposits were seen in the perilymphatic spaces of the cochlea and the vestibule and in the lumen of the endolymphatic sac and the perisac connective tissue. In the secondary KLH inner ear challenge, free KLH deposits and KLH phagocytic cells were seen in the same regions of the primary KLH inner ear challenge. Allmost all free KLH deposits were removed from the cochlea, the vestibule and the endolymphatic sac within 3 days, however KLH phagocytic cells seen in the cochlea and the endolymphatic sac stayed at least 5 days. These findings suggested that KLH antigens injected into the scala tympani were transffered from the perilymphatic space into the endolymphatic space in the status of immune reaction.