Abstract
Subpopulations of lymphocytes existing to rat endolymphatic sac (ELsac) were examined after inner ear challenge of KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) following systemic sensitization, employing immunostaining with ABC methods. A large number of lymphocytes was seen in perisaccular space (PSS) of challenged side. B cells bearing IgG were predominantly seen, but IgM or IgA bearing B cells were fewly seen. T cells as well as B cells were mobilized to the perisaccular space, expressing phenotype markers of helper/inducer or cytotoxic/suppressor on their cell surface. These findings indicate that T-B interaction takes place at endolymphatic sac, mounting and modulating the local immune response in the inner ear.
