S-100 protein in human inner ear: use of a novel immunohistochemical technique on routinely processed, celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections.

The authors recently developed a new antigen retrieval technique which allows immunohistochemical detection of proteins in routinely processed, celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections. This technique was used in the present study, which reports the occurrence of S-100 protein in the human inner ear. Fifteen celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections, obtained from the Eastern Temporal Bone Bank at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, were tested with the monoclonal antibody to S-100. This protein was found in the spiral ligament, in Reissner's membrane, in the spiral limbus, and in the basement membrane of the cochlea. S-100-positive, thin fibers could be seen as supporting elements in the acoustic nerve and the facial nerve. This protein was localized along the surface of vestibular wall. The new technique provides an immunohistochemical approach to studying routinely processed human temporal bone sections and may prove useful in the field of immuno-otopathology.