[Excitotoxic effects of glutamate on the in vitro spiral ganglion cells].

Objective: To explore the excitotoxic effects of glutamate on the in vitro primarily cultured spiral ganglion cell (SGC) of rat.

Method: Spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) were cultured in vitro for 4 days, and exposed to 1 mmol/L glutamate for 24 hours. Damaged cells double-labeling with Hoechest33258 and PI were observed by fluorescence microscope. Ffluo-3 and CLSM for measurement of intracellular calcium levels were also utilized.

Result: Most cells were damaged and the intracellular calcium increased and after exposure to 1 mmol/L glutamate (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Glutamate excitotoxicity was associated with free intracellular calcium ion concentration elevation in SGC.