Immunocytochemical Observation on Actin in Sensory Epithelium of Rat Macula Utriculi

Abstract

This study was performed to establish the vestibular preparation technique for immunocytochemical detection of actin in the vestibular hair cells. Frozen sections were chosen for the detection of actin distribution in the macular sensory epithelium. Quick-freezing in the primary embedding followed by secondary embedding was used for the proper orientation of specimens. Immunohistochemistry by peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining and immunofluorescence demonstrated actin localization in the neck area of the type I hair cells and in the periphery of the perinuclear area as well as in the stereocilia and in the cuticular plate. Two possibilities were suggested: First, immunohistochemically stained area in the neck of the type I hair cells and peripheral perinuclear portion may represent actin filaments of the synaptic area where the hair cells and nerve endings contact. Second, G-actin pool might exist around perinuclear area and react with anti-actin atibody but didn't appear as filamentous area by electron microscopy.