OBJECTIVE: To investigate the degeneration mechanics of outer hair cells in guinea pig. METHOD: The mechanics of outer hair cells isolated by enzyme were observed under inverted microscope for 6-8 h continuously. RESULT: Over half of living outer hair cells could keep good conditions in 6 hours. During the degeneration there was always a longitudinal fold line from tip to base. Presence or absence of calcium, as well as lossing of stereociliary bundle, couldn't change the conditions of out hair cells. CONCLUSION Neither calcium nor stereociliary bundle is the decisive cause in keeping outer hair cells alive, and its degeneration may be basically related with something surrounding the cell.
Animals ; Calcium ; Cells, Cultured ; Cochlea ; cytology ; pathology ; Culture Media ; Guinea Pigs ; Hair Cells, Auditory ; cytology