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Structural basis for mechanical transduction in the frog vestibular sensory apparatus: III. The organization of the otoconial mass.

Abstract：

:The saccule and the utricle of the vestibular system detect linear acceleration and gravity. Sensory transduction in these organs depends on myriads of calcium carbonate crystals of high specific gravity, called otoconia, embedded in a filament matrix that overlies the sensory epithelium. The coexistence of hard crystals and slender filaments in this complex extracellular matrix makes it difficult to analyze by conventional electron microscopy. We have now examined this structure in the bullfrog saccule using the quick-freeze, deep-etch replica technique. The otoconia in their typical aragonite polymorph shape exhibit smooth surfaces and are embedded in a loose matrix made of two types of filaments. The regular surface of the otoconia forms a natural smooth background against which we could observe with unprecedented detail the network organization and substructure of the filaments. One type of filament is 8 nm in diameter, while the other, which has a characteristic beaded appearance, is 15 nm in diameter. Both types of filaments either make lateral connections with or end directly on the surface of the otoconia. A consistent observation was the presence of short filaments that directly cross-link adjacent otoconia. Very few otoconia were fractured in an orientation that would allow the study of their internal architecture. These otoconia presented a typical conchoidal cleavage of aragonite. Although crystallites were not clearly apparent, thin lamellar microstructures appeared oriented both perpendicularly and longitudinally to the major otoconial axis. This structural study establishes a framework for the identification of the molecular components present in this unique extracellular matrix and may also help elucidate their role in mechanical transduction.

journal_name

Hear Res

journal_title

Hearing research

authors

Kurc M,Farina M,Lins U,Kachar B

doi

10.1016/s0378-5955(99)00007-6

keywords:

subject

Has Abstract

pub_date

1999-05-01 00:00:00

pages

11-21

issue

1-2

eissn

0378-5955

issn

1878-5891

pii

S0378-5955(99)00007-6

journal_volume

131

pub_type

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Structural basis for mechanical transduction in the frog vestibular sensory apparatus: III. The organization of the otoconial mass.