NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Histological preparation of developing vestibular otoconia for scanning electron microscopyThe unique nature of vestibular otoconia as calcium carbonate biominerals makes them particularly susceptible to chemical deformation during histological processing. We fixed and stored otoconia from all three otolith endorgans of embryonic, hatchling and adult Japanese quail in glutaraldehyde containing either phosphate or non-phosphate buffers for varying lengths of time and processed them for scanning electron microscopy. Otoconia from all age groups and otolith endorgans processed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) showed abnormal surface morphology when compared to acetone fixed controls. Otoconia processed in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate or HEPES buffered artificial endolymph (pH 7.4) showed normal morphology that was similar to controls. The degree of otoconial deformation was directly related to the time exposed to phosphate buffer. Short duration exposure produced particulate deformations while longer exposures resulted in fused otoconia that formed solid sheets. Otoconial surface deformation and fusing was independent of the glutaraldehyde component of the histological processing. These findings should help vestibular researchers to develop appropriate histological processing protocols in future studies of otoconia.
Document ID
20040087682
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Huss, D.
(Harold W. Siebens Hearing Research Center, Central Institute for the Deaf 63110, St. Louis, MO, United States)
Dickman, J. D.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
May 30, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of neuroscience methods
Volume: 125
Issue: 1-2
ISSN: 0165-0270
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Neuroscience

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available