elastin and Otosclerosis

The tendon of the human stapedius muscle was studied in normal post mortem material and in clinical otosclerotic patients, using light and electron microscopy. Cross section profiles of collagen fibrils were measured in various regions of the tendon and the amount of elastin was estimated. The normal stapedius tendon consisted of three concentrically arranged portions: A cylindrical central part, a tube-like mid-portion, and a cortical layer. The central part was made up of collagen fibrils with only a few elastic fibers, the mid-portion contained collagen fibrils together with significantly more elastic material, while the cortical layer, again, showed a smaller amount of elastic fibers. Mean diameters of collagen fibrils in the central part of the tendon were 65.12 +/- 11.89 nm, in the intermediate layer 41.00 +/- 9.63 nm, and in the cortical layer 70.28 +/- 19.58 nm. Stapedius tendons from clinically otosclerotic patients, though showing the same construction, were characterized by significantly altered collagen fibrillar diameters (Mann-Whitney U-test). In the central part, mean diameters were reduced to 61.05 +/- 14.70 nm, in the mid-portion increased to 50.90 +/- 10.08 nm, and in the cortical layer reduced to 61.09 +/- 8.49 nm. The changes of collagen cross section profiles estimated for the entire tendon were significant as well: 59.68 +/- 18.74 nm in controls versus 57.82 +/- 12.53 nm in otosclerotic patients. Elastin content in the mid-portion of control stapedius tendons increased with age (13% at 35 years of age to 35% at 70 years of age).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Collagen; Elastin; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Otosclerosis; Stapedius; Tendons

In a histochemical and electron microscopical study the pathogenesis of otosclerosis was investigated. The morphological changes in the extra- and intracellular space indicated a complex metabolic disturbance of all tissue components. The observed chondrocytic chondrolysis stressed the role of the cartilage remnants in the otic capsule as an etiological factor. There was morphological evidence of a superimposed enzymatic defect.

Topics: Cartilage; Collagen; Ear Ossicles; Elastin; Humans; Lysosomes; Microscopy, Electron; Osteocytes; Otosclerosis; Stapes

Topics: Aorta; Collagen Diseases; Ectodermal Dysplasia; Elastin; Female; Glycosaminoglycans; Hearing Disorders; Humans; Male; Osteitis Deformans; Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica; Osteogenesis Imperfecta; Otosclerosis; Racial Groups