Physiological Preparation Of Hair Cells From The Sacculus Of The American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

SHORT ABSTRACTThe American bullfrogs sacculus permits direct examination of hair-cell physiology. Here we describe the dissection and preparation of the bullfrogs sacculus for biophysical studies. We show representative experiments from these hair cells, including the calculation of a bundles force-displacement relation and measurement of its spontaneous motion.\n\nLONG ABSTRACTThe study of hearing and balance rests upon insights drawn from biophysical studies of model systems. One such model, the sacculus of the American bullfrog, has become a mainstay of auditory and vestibular research. Studies of this organ have revealed how sensory cells--hair cells--can actively detect signals from the environment. Because of these studies, we now better understand the mechanical gating and localization of a hair cells transduction channels, calciums role in mechanical adaptation, and the identity of hair-cell currents. This highly accessible organ continues to provide insight into the workings of hair cells.\n\nHere we describe the preparation of the bullfrogs sacculus for biophysical studies on its hair cells. We include the complete dissection procedure and provide specific protocols for the preparation of the sacculus in specific contexts. We additionally include representative results using this preparation, including the calculation of a hair bundles force-displacement relation and measurement of a bundles spontaneous motion.