Thermal influence on intracellular calcium concentration in vestibular hair cells isolated from the guinea pig. A preliminary report.
Caloric responses to intracellular calcium homeostasis of vestibular hair cells isolated from the guinea pig were examined. An increase in intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the isolated cells was observed by direct heat stimulation. The cells, dissociated enzymatically or mechanically, were stimulated by perfusion of solution, in the temperature range of 2.2-5.2 degrees C. The [Ca2+]i was analysed using a digital imaging microscope and the Ca2+ sensitive dye, Fura-2. There was an increase in [Ca2+]i in both Types I and II vestibular hair cells with this heat stimulation. The direct thermal influence on vestibular sensory cells is discussed in relation to mechanisms involved in caloric nystagmus.
Ohtani
M
M
Department of Otolaryngology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Yamashita
T
T
Amano
H
H
Kubo
N
N
Kumazawa
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D002150:Caloric Tests; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000502:physiology; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000294:innervation*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D002118:Calcium