Dissociated single cells from the inner ear: strial cells.

Using the enzyme dissociation technique, the authors successfully isolated strial marginal cells and intermediate cells from guinea pig and chinchilla cochleas. Dissociated cells were maintained for in vitro observation under the light microscope for up to 2 hours without gross evidence of cell damage. Such single cells were successfully prepared for scanning or transmission electron microscopic observation, which showed excellent cell shape and preservation of cell organelles. However, there was evidence of increased vesiculation in the dissociated marginal cells, which is interpreted to be evidence of increased pinocytotic activity.