Bovine temporal bones as a source of inner ear antigen.

Modern immunologic techniques of immunostaining, immunoblotting, and creation of monoclonal antibodies are gaining wide application in studies of development, function, and pathology of the ear. These techniques require a source of inner ear tissue for production of antigen extract. Human tissue is not readily available, and other mammalian species common in auditory research are small in size. Bovine temporal bones are readily available, and the membranous portions of the inner ear are abundant and easily accessible. Herein we report our technique for acquisition and dissection of bovine temporal bones and preparation and preservation of inner ear antigen.