SEM Observation and GABA Immunoreactivity of Human Embryonic Organ of Corti Tissue Culture

Abstract

Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) observation and GABA irnmunoreactivity of the tissue culture of 6 human embryonic organs of Corti are reported. The normal structural appearance of the hair cells and the facts that there were no bulging of cuticular plates. and cytoplasmic protrusion proved that the hair cells were healthy. After GABA immunostaining, radial bundles, innerspiral bundles, and the ending of inner and outer hair cell regions displayed typical GABA-positive reactivity. The results indicate that the human embryonic organ of Corti is well developed differentiated, and mature at 19 gestational weeks and can continue to grow and differentiate in vitro. The study offers an ideal and important biological model for further research into the human ear.

Key Words:

• GABA r-aminobutyric acid
• scanning electronic microscopy (SEM)
• human embryonic organ of Corti
• cochlear tissue culture.