OBJECTIVE: In order to meet the needs of electrophysiology outer hair cells, we investigate a method to separate outer hair cells simply and effectively. METHOD: The basal membrane was dissected combined with spiral ligament and axis of cochlea, then incubated with enzyme, and then mechanically triturated by micropipette. RESULT: A large number of living outer hair cells were obtained. Of 80% cells could keep good condition in 6 hours. CONCLUSION If increasing the enzyme concentration slightly and the large part of cochlea without outer bone was enzymes, we can get living outer hair cells easily.
Animals ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Cochlea ; cytology ; Guinea Pigs ; Hair Cells, Auditory ; cytology