A sequence of changes in the organ of Corti associated with the destruction of outer hair
cells (OHCs) and their replacement by supporting cells following chronic gentamicin
treatment has been examined using thin-sections and SEM. The progression of change of
OHCs was matched by concomitant expansion of adjacent supporting cells. Hair cells
ruptured in the lateral membrane. The apical fragment was retained in the reticular lamina
and became surrounded basally by the expanded supporting cells. No large breaches at the …