PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXPRESSION OF GLYCOCONJUGATES (3-FUCOSYL-N-ACETYLLACTOSAMINE AND HNK-1 EPITOPES) IN THE MOUSE INNER-EAR

The distribution of two glycoconjugates 3-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (CD15) and HNK-1 epitope (CD57) in the inner ear of the NMRI mouse was analysed From the eighth day of gestation to the 16th day after birth . CD15 epitope distribution is developmentally regulated. The up- and down-regulation of expression, the change in the number of cells which are positive, the ingrowth of CD15-positive cells and their distribut ion, intracellular and/or cell-surface-associated expression, all assu me a characteristic appearance at each developmental stage. Distributi on of CD57 documented the nerve outgrowth and formation of the innerva tion of the vestibular apparatus and cochlear duct. Correlation betwee n CD15 and CD57 expression patterns revealed differences in the intera ction of the ingrowing fibres and epithelial tissue between the vestib ular organ and the cochlea and differences in the development of the c ristae and maculae. (C) 1997 ISDN.