The crystalline pattern of calcium in different topographical regions of the otoconial membrane - An electron probe and spectroscopic diffraction study

Quantitative electron probe microanalysis and electron spectroscopic diffra ction analysis was used to determine the gradient of distribution of calciu m and its crystalline pattern at different levels (lower gelatinous membran e, upper gelatinous membrane and otoliths) in the otoconial membrane of adu lt OF1 mice. Our quantitative electron probe microanalytical data, obtained with scanning-transmission electron microscopy, indicated that there was a gradient in calcium concentration which increased From the vestibular surf ace towards the otoliths. Differences between the three regions of the otoc onial membrane were statistically significant in both the utricle and saccu le. Our results with electron spectroscopic diffraction revealed an increas ing crystalline development from the lower gelatinous membrane rewards the otoliths. Our findings with both techniques suggest that the gelatinous mem brane is involved in the maturation and crystallization of the otoliths.