FIG. 4.

Means of cell densities in the spiral ligament and types I–V fibrocyte areas following local saline or 3-NP application in the apical, upper basal, and basal turns of cochleae. In the total area of the spiral ligament, significant and dose-dependent decreases of cell densities are found in the apical, upper basal, and basal portions of cochleae (A). In the type I fibrocyte area, no significant decrease is observed (B). Significant and dose-dependent loss of fibrocytes were found in types II (C), III (D), IV (E), and V (F) areas. Asterisks indicate significant differences to the control group at p < 0.05 (ANOVA with the Scheffe’s test). Bars represent standard errors.