Recording potentials from scala media, saccule and utricle in mice

OBJECTIVE: To describe a protocol for recording electrical potentials from the scala media, saccule, and utricle in mice. METHOD: CBA/J mice were used and potentials were recorded with glass electrodes inserted through the basilar membrane using a patch clamp system. RESULTS: Resting potentials were successfully recorded from the scala media, saccule and utricle using described protocols. CONCLUSIONS: With the method described, one can measure resting potentials from the scala media, saccule and utricle, as well as cochlear microphonics (CM) and even auditory nerve compound action potentials (CAP), in a single mouse.