Cytoskeletal Organization of the Human Inner Ear: IV.Expression of Actin in Vestibular Organs

Reanimation of the paralyzed face with new gold weight implants and Goretex soft-tissue patches

Although dynamic reconstruction procedures are preferred for treating patients with complete facial paralyses, static procedures are useful for various conditions. One such technique involves the implantation of gold weights into the upper eyelid. We have reported our experiences with 58 patients who underwent gold weight implantation for rehabilitation of eyelid closure with satisfactory results. To obtain better cosmetic results we developed newly shaped thinner weights. Four instead of three perforations in each weight enable better fixation to soft tissue. Since 40% of all cases also required additional surgery to rehabilitate other portion of the face, polytetrafluoroethylene (Goretex) soft-tissue patches were used for suspension to help correct midfacial and perioral asymmetry. From 1990 to 1996, 22 patients underwent this technique under local or general anesthesia. Except for 2 patients, no complications were observed. Overall, both gold implants and Goretex patches were found to provide good results in patients selected for facial reanimation.

Cytoskeletal polypeptides: cell-type specific markers useful in investigative otorhinolaryngology

In the last decade, it has been established that eukaryotic cells possess a cytoskeleton, i.e. an integrated cytoplasmic network of microfilaments (MFs), microtubules (MTs) and intermediate filaments (IFs). Moreover, certain cell membrane specializations as well as the inner lamina of the nuclear membrane also participate in the cytoskeletal structure. Although this definition of the cytoskeleton is up to date it is obvious that the future course of cell biology will be reflected in a revised definition. While the bulk of structural polypeptides involved were characterized at regular intervals, surprisingly, the function of the cytoskeleton remained largely speculative and is still less precisely defined. The most widely postulated function concerns mechanical support and integration of diverse cellular activities and thus refers to cellular architecture. Briefly, the mechanical function is thought to involve cell movement, adhesive interaction with the extracellular matrix and neighbouring cells, as well as the stabilization of cell shape. The integrative function refers to intracellular movement, i.e. transport and positioning to the appropriate locations of organelles, intracellular particles, RNA and proteins. It has been established from numerous investigations that (certain) cytoskeletal polypeptides provide significant information about the cellular origin and differentiation state. This consideration constitutes the most prominent reflection underlying this review. Furthermore, this appreciation encourages additional efforts to explore these markers in normal and pathological conditions. The first purpose of this review is briefly to summarize our present comprehension of the molecular components of the cytoskeleton, restricted to the filamentous trinity for practical reasons. The second and main aim is to survey the field with respect to otorhinolaryngology-related issues. To the author's knowledge, this has not been dealt with in the past. In bridging this gap in the literature, I hope to provoke additional interest in one of the fastest moving areas of cell biology. A comprehensive review covering the whole cytoskeleton has been covered by Preston et al. (The Cytoskeleton and Cell Motility. Blackie, Glasgow and London, 1990, pp. 7-69, 188-191). Additional information on the participating substructures is provided in the text, inclusive of last year's reviews.

The use of polytetrafluoroethylene for particular augmentation of the nasal dorsum

In 24 cases scutiform polytetrafluoroethylene patches were implanted to correct saddle malformation and irregularities of the nasal dorsum. For smaller tissue defects of the nasal bone and cartilage, the patches are very suitable in rhinosurgery. One of the advantages of the implant is that it makes the reconstructed area appear as natural as possible.

Actin-associated proteins and fibronectin in the fetal human inner ear

The distribution of alpha-actinin, vinculin, alpha-spectrin, beta-spectrin and fibronectin was analyzed in 14- to 21-week-old fetal human inner ears using immunofluorescence microscopy. Staining for alpha-actinin was fairly evenly distributed at the epithelial surfaces of all five vestibular organs, whereas in the cochlea it was mainly at the surface of the receding greater epithelial ridge and in some foci apically at the lesser epithelial ridge. Fluorescence for vinculin was observed mainly at the surface of vestibular organs, but was lacking in the LER. Intense fluorescence for alpha-spectrin was found at the apical surface of individual cells of the cristae and maculae. Antibodies against beta-spectrin mainly stained the endothelial cells of blood vessels, but faint staining of the epithelial cell surfaces of the vestibular organs was also detected. The fluorescence pattern of the actin-associated proteins is indicative of structural differences between cochlear and vestibular hair cells. Fibronectin was identified only between mesenchymal cells and its functional importance in the mature inner ear epithelia can be discounted.