Morphological Change of the Otolithic Organs with Argon Laser Irradiation

Abstract

An argon laser was used to irradiate the otolithic organs of guinea pigs. Two different argon laser devices were used. One was attached to a surgical microscope. The other was a device with a hand piece. The wave length (488 nm and 514 nm), power (1.5w), and irradiation time (0.5sesc) were the same. After stapedectomy, the argon laser irradiated the otolithic organ without touching the sensory organs. Animals were sacrificed immediately or after 1, 2, 4 and 10 weeks for morphological studies. Sensory cells and supporting cells were elevated from the basilar membrane at the irradiated area. The otolith of the macula had disappeared after 2 weeks. The sensory epithelium degenerated into one layer of cuboidal cells, also in 2 weeks. At 10 weeks the entire macula had disappeared.