A technique for freeze-fracturing of the organ of Corti.
A modification of the conventional method of freeze-fracturing is described. By the use of polyvinyl-alcohol, a high viscous fluid, the organ of Corti is better stabilized in the specimen holder. This fluid also facilitates a clean fracture through the organ of Corti proper and in a high number of cases gives a large replica void of contaminating biological tissue and free of folds. Examples of results produced with this technique are demonstrated.
D005614:Freeze Fracturing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009925:Organ of Corti / Q000473:pathology*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods