Distribution of cytoskeletal proteins (neurofilaments, peripherin and MAP-tau) in the cochlea of the human fetus.

We report here an immunohistochemical study of the distribution of intermediate filaments (neurofilament, peripherin) and a microtubule-associated protein, tau, in the human fetal cochlea at 27 weeks of gestation. Neurofilament immunoreactivity (160 and 200 KDa) was localized in afferent and efferent fibers of the cochlear innervation and restricted to a few small spiral ganglion neurons. Peripherin immunoreactivity was specifically distributed in some small ganglion neurons and in their central and peripheral extensions, particularly in fibers reaching the lower part of the outer hair cells. Double immuno-labelling studies with these neurofilaments and peripherin antibodies show that only small neuron cell bodies were stained. Morpholometrical data indicate that immunostained neurons could be related to the Type II neuron population in the spiral ganglion. Tau protein was localized in intraganglionic spiral bundle fibers and in fibers that reach the lower part of hair cells. These observations suggest that neurofilament and peripherin antibodies stain a particular population of human spiral ganglion neurons with Type II characteristics. Moreover, the specificity of peripherin labelling in Type II cells and their processes suggest that peripherin could be used as a probe for the developmental study of this system in the human cochlea. On the other hand, tau antibody appeared as a marker for efferent fibers during development and could give information on the ontogenesis of efferent innervation.

[Our experience of meatotomy in the treatment of paranasal sinus diseases]. / Notre expérience des méatotomies dans le traitement des affections sinusiennes.

Results are presented of patients treated by endonasal microsurgery in the ORL clinic of the Lille UCH between January 1986 and July 1990. The principal affections treated were: chronic sinusitis, aspergillosis and Killian's polyp. The objective of the technique employed, which has evolved progressively, was in each case to eradicate the infectious focus or its cause, and to maintain satisfactory ventilation and drainage of the maxillary sinus. The technique used is described, and results presented based on the responses received from a questionnaire sent to 164 patients.

[Endonasal microsurgery of antro-choanal polyps]. / Microchirurgie endo-nasale du polype antro-choanal.

Between 1986 and 1991, 33 patients were operated on by the senior author. Neither sex, nor side prevalence has been observed. In 50% of the cases, the patient was a teenager. In 18% of the cases, a cystic oedematous transformation was the cause of the polyp. Its treatment must be surgical. Five cases were operated on by gingival access, the others by median and inferior meatotomy which is recommended by the authors. They found one recurrence out of the recorded 24 cases.