Macrophage depletion does not affect regenerative proliferation.

<p> Cochleae were treated for 24 hr. in clodronate-containing or control medium, followed by 24 hr in 1 mM streptomycin. Specimens were then rinsed and maintained for an additional four days in medium that contained BrdU. Confocal microscopy was used to image BrdU-labeled cells within the sensory epithelia of the cochleae (A). Similar patterns of BrdU labeling were observed in clodronate-treated (B) and control (C) cochlea. Quantification of BrdU labeled cells (from four 100×100 µm regions/specimen) confirmed that supporting cell proliferation was not affected by clodronate treatment and macrophage depletion (D, p = 0.28). Scale bar = 30 µm.