Cellular localization of Na+,K+-ATPase in the mammalian cochlear duct: significance for cochlear fluid balance.

Cytochemical and autoradiographic procedures were employed to determine the cellular distribution of Na+,K+-ATPase in the guinea pig cochlea. The highest activity was associated with the stria vascularis and was restricted almost entirely to the contraluminal extensions of the marginal cells. Elevated levels of activity were also observed in stromal cells of the spiral prominence, external sulcus, and spiral limbus. The pattern of activity in the latter tissues was unusual in being symmetrically distributed along the plasma membranes of the reactive cells. In the organ of Corti, only neural elements showed appreciable activity. Possible functions of the enzyme are discussed in relation to cochlear fluid balance.