Targeted single-cell electroporation loading of Ca indicators in the mature hemicochlea preparation.

Ca is an important intracellular messenger and regulator in both physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms in the hearing organ. Investigation of cellular Ca homeostasis in the mature cochlea is hampered by the special anatomy and high vulnerability of the organ. A quick, straightforward and reliable Ca imaging method with high spatial and temporal resolution in the mature organ of Corti is missing.