Steyger PS, Wiederhold ML, Batten J.
ASGSB Bull. 1993 Oct; 7: 48.
UTHSCSA, San Antonio, Texas 78284.
Otoconia are calcified protein matrices within the gravity-sensing organs of the vestibular system. Their origin and morphogenesis remain unknown. Scanning electron microscopy of newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) larval otoconia revealed a sequential appearance in the morphogenesis of two adult otoconial morphologies. In Rana esculenta, barrel-shaped otoconia are composed of calcite, and prismatic otoconia of aragonite (Marmo et al., 1983, Cell Tis Res, 233, 35-43). Like other amphibians, adult newts have smooth barrel-shaped otoconia with three adjacent facet surfaces, similar to those in mammals, in the utricle. Prismatic and pinacoid otoconia occur in the saccule. In newt larvae, a variety of developmental morphologies occur in both the utricle and saccule. Some had serrated polygonal bodies with three narrow, separated facet surfaces, at each end. Others were diamond-shaped, with serrated surfaces. Other, apparently more mature, otoconia were cylindrical with circumferential, zig-zagging striations, and larger facet surfaces. Hybrids with two distinct morphologies may occur, one half being cylindrical with three facet surfaces, and the other pyramidal with serrated surfaces and one apical facet. These developmental features are not seen in the adult. Small, pitted pinacoid otoconia develop later, only in the saccule. Prismatic otoconia were not seen during vestibular development.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Animals
- Calcium Carbonate
- Gene Expression
- Gravity Perception
- Larva
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Morphogenesis
- Otolithic Membrane
- Saccule and Utricle
- Salamandridae
- Sense Organs
- genetics
- NASA Discipline Neuroscience
- NASA Discipline Number 40-10
- NASA Discipline Number 40-99
- NASA Program Space Biology
- NASA Program Space Biology Research Associates
- Non-NASA Center
Other ID:
UI: 102212757
From Meeting Abstracts