[Application of laser scanning confocal microscopy in inner ear morphological studies]

Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) enables one to observe both the surface structure and the inner configuration in the same specimen, by its possibility of direct, non-invasive serial optical sectioning of whole mounted specimens. The potential value of LSCM in the field of inner ear morphological study was evaluated. The configuration of upper parts of organ of Corti was observed with the LSCM combined with double-stained fluorescence immunohistochemistry technique. The actin filament of hair cells by phalloidin, and the cytokeratin of supporting cells by monoclonal pan-anticytokeratin antibody. The stereocilia, cuticular plate, and the cuticle-free area of hair cells were well demonstrated. In the same specimen, the head plate of outer pillar cell, the phalangeal apical plate and the phalangeal process of Deiter cells were clearly showed as well. LSCM provide a new tool to the morphological study of organ of Corti.