Immunofluorescence localizations of proteins in semithin 0.2--1 micron frozen sections of the ear. A report of improved techniques including gelatin encapsulation and cryoultramicrotomy.

The present work describes a high resolution technique for locating proteins in frozen sections of the inner ear by immunofluorescence. Dissected organs are encapsulated in gelatin, and sections 0.1--1 micron thick are cut at --100 degrees C in a cryoultramicrotome. These are labelled with antibodies against two cytoskeletal proteins, actin and tubulin. Actin, which had previously only been described in the sensory cells, is found in the supporting cells as well. Tubulin is identified in the supporting cells and in outer spiral nerve fibres.