[Experimental study of primary culture methods for spiral ganglion cells of newborn rats].

Objective: To optimize culture condition of spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) in vitro and to obtain highly purified SGCs.

Method: The spiral ganglions from newborn rats were digested in 0.25% trypsin and 0.001% DNase. The SGCs suspension was plated at a density of 10(9) cells/L. The cells were kept in serum free medium (DMEM/F12+B27 supplement). And 5 micromol/L cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) was added to the medium on the second day and maintained for 48 hours. Serum medium with or without Ara-C was set as a control. The morphology and the purity of SGCs were observed under microscope.

Result: Highly purified SGCs can be harvested in serum free medium (DMEM/F12+B27 supplement) with Ara-C. The SGCs were identified with mouse anti neurofilament protein antibody by immunohistochemistry methods.

Conclusion: The method used in this study is an optimal means to culture and purify SGCs that can meet the needs of further study.