Isolation and identification of supporting cells in organ of Corti in guinea pigs

Objective To establish method for the isolation of supporting cells in organ of Corti in guinea pigs and to observe the morphometrics of the supporting cells. Methods The dissected strips of the organ of Corti were digested in Hank's balanced salt solution with collagenase type Ⅳ (1 mg/1 ml) and microdissected under the inverted microscope. The isolated supporting cells were observed under the inverted microscope. Results Every kind of supporting cells had different shapes. The Deiters cells in the first and second row were comma-like, and those in the third row were long bow-like. The Hensen s cells had a translucent cytoplasm that contained several large lipid granules. The pillar cells showed distinct microtubules, clearly delineated cell membrane and nucleus. The outer pillar cells were dumbbell-like, and the inner pillar cells were ladle-like. 1-4 Deiters' cells, 10-20 Hensen's cells, 80-100 inner pillar cells and 80-100 outer pillar cells were isolated respectively from a guinea pig cochlear by collagenase type Ⅳ digestion. Conclusion The Deiters cells, the Hensen s cells, and the inner and outer pillar cells, which are .supporting cells in the organ of Corti, can be isolated by collagenase type Ⅳ digestion and microdissection. They can be easily identified in vitro from other cells for their special morphometrics. The paper provides a simple and practical method for the study of morphology and function of the isolated supporting cells.