TRPC channels are critical players in cochlear hair cells and sensory neurons, as demonstrated in animal experiments. However, evidence for TRPC expression in the human cochlea is
still lacking. This reflects the logistic and practical difficulties in obtaining human cochleae. The
purpose of this study was to detect TRPC6, TRPC5 and TRPC3 in the human cochlea. Temporal bone
pairs were excised from ten body donors, and the inner ear was first assessed based on computed
tomography scans. Decalcification was then performed using 20% EDTA solutions. Immunohistochemistry with knockout-tested antibodies followed. The organ of Corti, the stria vascularis, the
spiral lamina, spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear nerves were specifically stained. This unique
report of TRPC channels in the human cochlea supports the hypothesis of the potentially critical
role of TRPC channels in human cochlear health and disease which has been suggested in previous
rodent experiments