Histopathological study of experimentally induced endolymphatic hydrops with emphasis on Reissner's membrane.

We investigated the histopathological changes of the guinea pig cochlea in experimentally induced endolymphatic hydrops 1, 2, 4 and 8 months after obliteration of the endolymphatic sac. In this paper special attention is given to the morphological changes created in Reissner's membrane. Reissner's membrane showed various foldings, bony wall connections, local thickenings, duplications, mesothelial defects, ruptures and atrophy. The incidence of these changes increased with survival time. The stria vascularis and hair cells showed degeneration starting apically and proceeding towards the cochlear base. The possible implications of these findings are discussed.