Scanning electron microscope specimen preparation technique for dissociated strial marginal cells

Single strial marginal cells from the cochleas of guinea pigs and chinchillas were successfully isolated in tissue culture medium using the enzyme dissociation technique. Such single cells were successfully preserved for scanning electron microscopic observation in special glass wells following the freeze drying technique. Judging by transmission electron microscopic examination of such cells, the ultrastructural preservation of the dissociated strial marginal cells was excellent.