FIGURE 5.

Immunohistochemical anti-iNOS staining within the second turn of the cochlea after sham (A,C,E) and CI (B,D,F). Anti-iNOS immunoreaction was identified in various cell types in the organ of Corti after sham (A), whereas no reaction was identified after CI (B). In spiral ganglion cells, a pronounced staining intensity was detected after sham (C) as well as and CI (D). In the marginal cells (mc) of the stria vascularis, a clear anti-iNOS staining was detectable after sham (E), which was nearly absent after CI (F). Quantification of anti-iNOS staining intensities in six distinct cell types after sham CI electrode array insertion (G). Compared to sham, CI electrode array insertion resulted in significantly reduced staining intensities in the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, interdental cells, and limbus fibrocytes. All other cell types showed similar tendencies without reaching statistical significance. bc, basal cells; ohc, outer hair cells; HE, Hensen cells; imc, intermediate cells; ihc, inner hair cells; mc, marginal cells; SL, spiral ligament; Sm, scala media; SV, stria vascularis; ST, scala tympani; scale bar = 50 nm. *p < 0.05, ^***p < 0.001.