In the adult @entity1 organ of Corti cytokeratin (CK) is expressed by all supporting cells enclosing it like a shell. The pattern of immunoreactivity clearly demonstrates a quantitative gradient in the expression of CK, with more CK at the apex than at the base of the cochlea. Predominantly in the apical cochlear turns, the CK-shell separates the compartment of the inner hair cells from that of the outer hair cells. Ultrastructurally, the supporting cells contain a loose fibrillary network which apically is oriented toward the desmosome chain and which can be clearly distinguished from the well-known tubular filaments (microtubuli). Some supporting cells show centrioles. Both the expression of CK and the presence of centrioles indicate a possible potential for cell regeneration. Ultrastructurally, outer hair cells and Deiters' cells show features of a specialized contact zone which might be of functional significance regarding the contractile abilities of the outer hair cells. In the @entity1 organ of Corti, @entity2277 is expressed only by the inner and outer pillar cells. These cells thus express CK together with @entity2277 . The distinct shell configuration of the CK network in the organ of Corti gives it a tonotopically related difference in @entity2003 which not only must be of importance for cochlear perception of sound but also could explain the reduced vulnerability of the ear to low frequencies.

[The cytokeratin skeleton of the XXXX organ of Corti and its functional significance].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity2003 :: ('MESH:D009127', 'Disease') :: ['rigidity'] @entity2277 :: ('7431', 'Gene') :: ['vimentin']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['human']
