Immunohistochemical findings of IgG recognized in the planum semilunatum of the guinea pig

Abstract

AbstractThe planum semilunatum is located on the lateral side of the crista ampullaris of thesemicircular canal. With regard to the functions of the planum semilunatum, some researchers assume the existence of secretory activity based on the microstructural features observed in isotopic experiments. In the present study, in order to confirm the existence of an immunological mechanism in the ampulla of the semicircular canal, the distribution of immunoglobulins in the semi-circular canal of guinea pigs was investigated immunohistochemically. Positivity of IgG wasobserved in the constituent cells of the planum semilunatum or beneath the basement membrane ofthe cells.It is concluded that ample IgG, which is an important constituent of the body fluids, is collected within this region. The planum semilunatum containing such ample amounts of IgG might be involved in the immunological mechanism operating in the ampullar of the semicircular canal.