Preservation of mRNA during in situ hybridization in the cochlea.

Specific nucleic acid sequences can be identified within cells using in situ hybridization. Hybridization for mRNA can document the distribution and amount of specific gene transcripts. Decalcification protocols used for immunohistochemistry in the cochlea were evaluated for use with in situ mRNA hybridization. No loss of mRNA was detected following the use of decalcification solutions at 4 degrees C when paraformaldehyde was added to the EDTA solution. The primary determinant of mRNA preservation was paraformaldehyde.