Comparative Research on the Distribution of the Melanin of the Stria Vascularis in the Different Sections of Human Cochlea. Functional Interpretation Regarding the Structure of Melanin,
Abstract
On the basis of histological findings the author shows that, in the human stria vascularis, the same pigmentary structure can be found as in guinea pigs. In fact, the concentration of melanin is a major quantity in the apical tract of the cochlea and decreases quantitatively in the lower tracts. Recent findings have been made regarding the presence of free radicals of melanin. Such pigment could be considered a factor in the oxydo-reductive system of the labyrinth and could also have the function of a biological semiconductor. The author states that the apical tract of the cochlea is subjected to most of the mechanical influences and, for this reason, the vessels and epithelium have the potential possibilities for more frequent stress. He also observes that, as in the cochlea, there is an inverse quantitative relation between melanin and dehydrogenasis. He considers that the 'melanin grain' is the source of energy of the cochlea and (although not indispensable to the cochlea's vital function), it participates in emergency requests to the respiratory oxydo-reductive function of the cells avoiding or reducing a possible temporary or permanent cochlear damage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA040438
Entities
People
- P. Bonaccorsi
Organizations
- US Army Medical Information and Intelligence Agency