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. 2014 Mar;150(3):441-7.
doi: 10.1177/0194599813516420. Epub 2013 Dec 27.

The periductal channels of the endolymphatic duct, hydrodynamic implications

Fred H Linthicum Jr  1 , Joni Doherty, Paul Webster, Andres Makarem
Affiliations

The periductal channels of the endolymphatic duct, hydrodynamic implications

Fred H Linthicum Jr et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the anatomy of a small network of channels surrounding the human endolymphatic duct.

Study design: Archival temporal bone sections and a surgical specimen were studied using a variety of techniques.

Setting: Temporal bone laboratory of the House Research Institute.

Subjects and methods: Archival temporal bone sections were examined by light microscopy, 3D reconstruction, and immunohistochemical labeling. A surgical specimen was examined using electron microscopy. Sections from temporal bones with blocked endolymphatic ducts or amputated sacs were examined for the manifestations of endolymphatic hydrops.

Results: Peri-endolymphatic duct channels were found to extend from the proximal cisternal part of the endolymphatic sac to the supporting tissue of the saccule and utricle. Tissue in the channels, as seen by conventional and electron microscopy, is continuous with and identical with the tissue surrounding the endolymphatic duct. Tissue in the channels labels with the S100 antibody similar to the spiral ligament and supporting tissue of the vestibular end organs and suggests a neural crest origin, as did the presence of melanocytes. Obstruction of the endolymphatic duct resulted in endolymphatic hydrops whereas amputation of the sac did not.

Conclusion: Endolymph is probably absorbed in the endolymphatic duct. The peri-endolymphatic duct channels that extend from the proximal sac to the supporting tissue of the saccule label with the S100 antibody and contain melanocytes suggest a neural crest origin and involvement in fluid and potassium hydrodynamics similar to those described for the similarly staining spiral ligament of the cochlea.

Keywords: channels; endolymphatic duct.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Endolymphatic duct surrounded by periductile channels (large arrows) extending from the vestibule (v) to the endolymphatic sac (es). Vein of the vestibular aqueduct (small arrows). (Hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] × 20.)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Three-dimensional reconstruction of periductile channels (green) surrounding the vestibular aqueduct (yellow) containing the endolymphatic duct (light blue) and a cross-section of the duct and surrounding periductile channels. Dark blue, periaqueductal vein.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Endolymphatic duct obstructed by on osteoma (large arrow). Hydrops of the cochlear duct and saccule (small arrows). (Hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] × 10.)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Obstructed endolymphatic ducts due to (upper left) scarlet fever, (upper right) nonspecific inflammation, (lower right) syphilitic microgumma. Lower right: Healed fracture (arrow) from vestibule to, but not through the duct. See text for details. (Hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] × 100.)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Sections through the endolymphatic duct, surrounded by periductile channels (small arrows) from (a) the distal portion to (d) the supporting tissue of the saccule. Large arrow indicates vein of the vestibular aqueduct.
Figure 6
Figure 6
S100 antibody in periductile tissue and channels at (upper left) midpoint of duct, (upper right) wall of vestibule. Channels (small arrows) entering into (lower left) saccular supporting tissue (large arrows) and spiral ligament.
Figure 7
Figure 7
S100 labeling of endolymphatic duct (ed) and periductile channels (arrows) at junction of duct with the vestibule in a guinea pig. Some channels are around the duct and others are in the wall of the vestibule. (×200.)
Figure 8
Figure 8
Electron microscopic images of similar fibroblasts in tissue around endolymphatic duct and in a periductal channel.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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