Computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction of the vestibular end-organs of the gerbil using the serial paraffin sections

To obtain spatial information regarding gerbil vestibular end-organs and surrounding components, serial paraffin sections of the decalcified heads, including inner ear, were prepared. Photographs of the sections were traced onto OHP papers, on which two reference points were plotted for the orientation. Sets comprised of a photograph and an OHP sheet with two reference points were digitized using a scanner and the computer program, ''Photoshop''. The figures were cropped to the same size using two reference points and after the color density of the objects was increased, they were superimposed using the computer program, ''VoxelView'' for three-dimensional reconstruction. This was an effective method of clarifying the spatial relationship of the components included. Using the results obtained, precise experiments for electrical vestibular stimulation were successfully performed.