Calcium gradients in the fish inner ear sensory epithelium and otolithic membrane visualized by energy filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM)

Inner ear otolith formation in fish is supposed to be performed by the molecular release of proteinacious precursor material from the sensory epithelia, followed by an undirected and diffuse precipitation of calcium carbonate (which is mainly responsible for the functionally important weight of otoliths). The pathway of calcium into the endolymph, however, still remains obscure. Therefore, the presence of calcium within the utricle of larval cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus was analyzed by means of energy filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). Electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) and electron energy loss spectra (EELS) revealed discrete calcium precipitations, which were especially numerous in the proximal endolymph as compared to the distal endolymph. A decreasing proximo-distal gradient was also present within the proximal endolymph between the sensory epithelium and the otolith. Further calcium particles covered the peripheral proteinacious layer of the otolith. They were especially pronounced at the proximal surface of the otolith. Other calcium precipitates were found to be accumulated at the macular junctions. These results strongly suggest that the apical region of the macular epithelium is involved in the release of calcium and that calcium supply of the otoliths takes place in the proximal endolymph. (C) 2003 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.