Evidence for hair cell regeneration in the crista ampullaris of the lizard Podarcis sicula

We studied hair cell regeneration in the crista ampullaris of the lizard Podarcis sicula both in untreated animals and at early and late time intervals following a single high dose of gentamicim. The study was carried out using the S-phase marker 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine. Our ultrastructural and immunofluorescence studies showed that both apoptosis and hair cell regeneration happen in the lizard crista ampullaris in untreated animals, and that regenerative processes are greatly accelerated after treatment with the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin. Our observations indicate that hair cell regeneration is strongly implicated in the repair of damaged sensory epithelium, and that new hair cells appear likely to arise from supporting cells. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.