Fig. 13.

SEM and laminin-β2 and collagen type IV expression in the BM of the human organ of Corti. a SEM of the human organ of Corti. The BM is clearly seen as it has separated from the inner pillar foot (fractured) and tympanic lip (arrow). IHC Inner hair cell, BM basilar membrane, tcf tunnel crossing fibers, IPC inner pillar foot. (×1,000). The figure has been artificially colorized using Photoshop to illustrate the various cell elements. b Confocal fluorescent microscopy showing laminin-β2/collagen IV co-expressing BM. The non-stained layer beneath the basement membrane represents the BM proper. A collagen IV immunopositive leaflet is seen below. Tympanic covering layer (TCL) expresses collagen IV (<500 Hz). Inset shows encircled area in higher magnification. Basement membrane expresses laminin-β2 and collagen IV between Claudius cells. OHC outer hair cell