3d Virtual Histology of the Human Cochlea

We propose post mortem 3D imaging of human cochlea by phase-contrast x-ray tomography using highly brilliant synchrotron radiation offering non-destructive investigation of the entire organ with sensitivity high enough to segment individual cells. In line with our previous research on small animal models, the biomedical research associated with this imaging campaign targets three different lines of research: (i) Age-related structural changes in the cochlea, in particular loss of auditorial nerve cells. (ii) Structural quality control of novel optogenetic technology for cochlea implants (CI). (iii) Fundamental neuroscience research with respect to structural composition of the auditorial nerve and its 3d arrangement of neurons, in particular in the spiral ganglion. In view of age-related hearing loss, we particularly aim at evaluating the number of outer and inner hair cells (OHCs, IHCs), and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs).