Three-dimensional image analysis of the mouse cochlea

Graham D Wright; Henning F Horn

doi:10.1016/j.diff.2016.01.002

Three-dimensional image analysis of the mouse cochlea

Differentiation. 2016 Apr-Jun;91(4-5):104-8. doi: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.01.002. Epub 2016 Jan 16.

Authors

Graham D Wright¹, Henning F Horn²

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Medical Biology, A(⁎)STAR, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore.
² Institute of Medical Biology, A(⁎)STAR, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore 138648, Singapore. Electronic address: hhorn@qf.org.qa.

PMID: 26786803
DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.01.002

Abstract

The mouse has proven to be an essential model system for studying hearing loss. A key advantage of the mouse is the ability to image the sensory cells in the cochlea. Many different protocols exist for the dissection and imaging of the cochlea. Here we describe a method that utilizes confocal imaging of whole-mount preparations followed by 3D analysis using the Imaris software. The 3D analysis of confocal stacks has been successfully used for investigating a number of mouse tissues and developmental processes. We propose that this method is also a valuable tool to analyze the cellular and tissue organization of the sensory hair cells in the cochlea.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
Cochlea / diagnostic imaging
Cochlea / growth & development*
Hair Cells, Auditory / cytology*
Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
Mice
Microscopy, Confocal / methods