Cochlea in old world mice and rats (Muridae)

Abstract

Morphometric analysis of the cochlea was performed in wild and laboratory murids: Mus musculus, Apodemus sylvaticus, Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, NMRI mouse, and Wistar rat. Results are based on light microscopic examination of surface specimens and serial sections and on three-dimensional computer reconstruction. The cochleae have 1.75–2.2 coils. The length of the basilar membrane varies from 6.0 to 12.1 mm. Mean density of outer hair cells ranges between 363 and 411, inner hair cells 98 and 121, neurons 1,230 and 1,760 per 1 mm. Following parameters change from base to apex: basilar membrane width 66.0 (±8.2) to 175.0 (±24.7) μm, basilar membrane thickness 17.0 (±2.6) to (±0.1) μm, width of triad of outer hair cells 13.2 (±0.7) to 28.8 (±4.4) μm. The given numbers are mean “murid” values (with respective standard deviations). Maximum of dimensions of scalae is located at 10–15%, that of density of outer hair cells at 65%, density of inner hair cells at 2.8 mm, maximum of innervation density at 40–60% from the base. The following parameters are correlated with pinna size: length and maximum width of basilar membrane, dimensions of scalae, total number of receptors, and probably resolution capabilities. The following parameters are correlated with body size: maximum width of traid of outer hair cells, density and total number of neurons, ratio of neurons to receptors, apicobasal difference in basilar membrane stiffness and width of triad of triad of outer hair cells; inversely proportional is receptor density and ratio of outer to inner hair cells and probably low-frequency cut-off. Thickness, and minimum width of basilar membrane and triad of outer hair cells and probably high-frequency cutoff are species-specific and independent of pinna or body size. The parameters mentioned indicate that the examined murids are acoustically unspecialized mammals and their cochleae approximate the generalized plan for a mammalian cochlea. Differences between domesticated and wild murids are stated.