Culture and Observation of the Organ of Corti from Newborn Mouse in Vitro

Objective To establish an simple method for the culture of the organ of Corti from newborn Kunming mouse,and to observe the histological morphology of cochlear hair cells.Methods The cochleae from Kunming mice of postnatal day 3 to 5 were used.The basilar membrane of the mouse was isolated and positioned on the surface of collagen gel,and then cultured in DMEM / F12 medium containing 1%bovine serum albumin.Tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled phalloidine staining was used to observe growing status of hair cells.Results Following culture of the cochlear basilar membrane for 24 hours,48 hours and 72 hours,the inner and outer hair cells were both growing well.Their structures were intact,and stereociliary bundles were arranged orderly,without any deletion.Conclusions This method is simple and effective,which can be applied to the experimental study of the organ of Corti in vitro culture.