title: Infrared video patch-clamp technique for spiral ganglion neurons in rat cochlear slices.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  Cochlear slice and infrared video patch-clamp techniques can be used in real-time observation. They provide a good method and platform for further study of the electrophysiological properties and auditory transduction mechanism of spiral ganglion neuron (SGN).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To establish the isolated rat cochlear slice technique combined with the infrared video patch-clamp technique to explore the electrophysiological properties of the SGN.
  
  
  METHODS
  SD rats were divided into three groups according to postnatal days (0-2 days, 3-6 days and 7-14 days). After quickly making SD rat cochlear slices, the electrophysiological properties of the SGN were observed using the infrared differential interference contrast technique and patch-clamp recording, and the factors that affect the cochlear slice quality and patch-clamp recording were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The successful slice rate was highest in 3-6-day-old SD rats and two to four slices could be prepared using each cochlea. It is crucial to maintain the connection of partial skull with the cochlea and the volute integrity when producing slices. The position of the cochlear axis and blade, and the slice preparation time were also important factors affecting slice quality and cell activity. SGN cells in good condition could easily be found using the infrared video patch-clamp technique to help the assessment of the seal test process. SGN resting membrane potential of whole-cell recording was -45.6+/-5.3 mV (n=52) and the currents of Na+ and K+ could be recorded.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, XiJing Hospital, Xi'an, China.
authors: Ding-Jun
authors: DJ
authors: Zha
authors: Ying
authors: Y
authors: Lin
authors: Zhi-Ming
authors: ZM
authors: Wang
authors: Lian-Jun
authors: LJ
authors: Lu
authors: Tao
authors: T
authors: Xue
authors: Xue
authors: X
authors: Gao
authors: Yun-Qing
authors: YQ
authors: Li
authors: Li
authors: L
authors: Qiao
authors: Jian-Hua
authors: JH
authors: Qiu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013136:Spiral Ganglion / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*