Electron microscopic observations on the human membranous labyrinth with particular reference to Ménière's disease

The fine structure of the utricular macula from patients operated on for Ménière's disease and for neurolabyrinthitis has been studied. The changes consisted of vacuolation of the cytoplasm, loss of cilia and macrovilli, together with mitochondrial changes in some nerves. Calyx-type nerve endings were observed. An unusual membrane structure is also described in the degenerating sensory cells resembling macromolecules of atypical collagen. It is suggested that a regenerative process might alternate with the fundamental degenerative process causing Ménière's disease and explain the remissions that follow an attack.