ATP-induced movement of the stalks of isolated cochlear Deiters' cells.

Deiters' cells, a type of supporting cell in the sensory epithelium of the cochlea, the organ of Corti, have been found to have P2X and P2Y adenosine triphosphate (ATP) receptors on their surfaces. Activation of these receptors may alter the mechanical properties of Deiters' cells and thus of the organ itself. ATP was applied to Deiters' cells isolated from guinea pig cochlea and the tip of the cells' stalk monitored for an ATP induced movement. Application of 100 microM ATP to the cell body of isolated Deiters' cells induced a small, reversible movement of the cells' stalk whereas application of bathing media did not. Results suggest that in vivo endogenous extracellular ATP released from unidentified locations could alter cochlear mechanics.