A fine method of evaluating the physiological function of vestibular hair cells

Abstract

We have established a fine method of evaluating the physiological function of vestibular hair cells. We examined the mechano-electrical transduction (MET) to study the physiological function of a hair cell. Hair cells composing the vestibular maculae were loaded with fura-2 AM, and the Ca²⁺ responses to the mechanical stimulation of hair bundles were monitored. The vestibular maculae were dissected from 1 to 3-day-old rats and were incubated with fura-2 AM for 30 min. Next, the Ca²⁺ responses generated through the activation of the MET were studied by the water puff stimulation of hair bundles. In addition, the acute effect of gentamicin was confirmed by this method.

• hair cell
• MET channel
• physiological function

Taura A, Ito J, Ohmori H. A fine method of evaluating the physiological function of vestibular hair cells. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; Suppl. 551: 39–42.

Taura A, Ito J, Ohmori H. A fine method of evaluating the physiological function of vestibular hair cells. Acta Otolaryngol 2004; Suppl. 551: 39–42.