[Isolation of partial outer supporting cells from guinea pig cochlea].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the method of isolating partial outer supporting cells (Deiters' cells, Hensen cells and Outer pillar cells) from guinea-pig cochlea and to try to establish the morphological criteria for these outer supporting cells viability.


METHODS
The basal membrane was dissected from the pigmental guinea pig cochlea, and th incubated with enzyme (0.5 mg/ml), then mechanically trituated by micropipetee.


RESULTS
A large number of living Deiters' cells and Hensen cells could be obtained from the guinea pig cochlear which kept a good condition in the next eight hours. However, the isolated outer pillar cells, with a more vulnerable viability, had a low yield and degenerated in the followed five hours.


CONCLUSIONS
The key to success in isolating outer supporting cells, mainly Deiters' cells and Hensen's cells, from the guinea pig cochlea is to familiarize with the anatomical characteristics of the cochlea and to get the intact organ of Corti, as well as to increase the concentration of enzyme. Moreever, the later four criteria for outer hair cells viability are also fit well for these isolated Deiters' cells, Hensen's cells and Outer pillar cells.
Chang
Qing
Q
Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
Gong
Shusheng
S
Ding
Juan
J
Tang
Ming
M
Hescheler
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002469:Cell Separation; D003051:Cochlea / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D018072:Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer / Q000166:cytology*; D007760:Labyrinth Supporting Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D008297:Male