Distribution and polarity of actin in inner ear supporting cells.

Actin is present in the supporting cells of the chinchilla cochlea. Actin filaments which decorate with myosin subfragment S1 are found in both inner and outer pillar cells and in the Deiters' cells which surround outer hair cells. The opposing polarities of the S1 decorated actin filaments suggest that the supporting cells may play an active role in the structural support of the organ of Corti.