Ultrastructure of the endolymphatic sac in the mongolian gerbil

Abstract

We describe our findings in an ultrastructural study of the endolymphatic sac of the mongolian gerbil. In conjunction with its specific renal physiology, enabling this animal to withstand long-term water deprivation, we have used our findings to hypothesize the existence of a local monitoring system within the endolymphatic space. The presence of elastic tissue in the subepithelial space of the endolymphatic sac could explain the mechanism through which this structure equilibrates endolymphatic pressure changes. Finally, we propose that a secretion of water-retaining macromolecules may act through osmotic forces to modulate inner ear fluid.