title: Localization of Ca(2+)-stores and tissue compartments with a Ca(2+)-binding capacity in the organ of Corti of the guinea-pig by electron energy-loss spectroscopy.
abstract: The addition of 10 mM CaCl2 to glutaraldehyde fixative leads to the formation of small electron-dense deposits in the organ of Corti of the guinea-pig. These precipitates are mainly attached to cell membranes in contact with different extracellular lymphatic fluids. A higher number of precipitates is localized in the acellular parts of tectorial and basilar membrane. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) was used to determine the elemental composition of the deposits formed. The spectra showed a prominent signal at the Ca2+ L2,3 ionization edge. Oxygen could also be detected in all the precipitates analysed. EELS analysis of mitochondria of the inner and outer hair cells after conventional fixation (glutaraldehyde followed by post-fixation in OsO4) revealed a small but significant calcium signal.
authors.affiliation: ENT Department, University of Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: U R
authors.initials: UR
authors.lastname: Heinrich
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maurer
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kreutz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D002122:Calcium Chloride / Q000378:metabolism*; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000737:chemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000737:chemistry; D009925:Organ of Corti / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015388:Organelles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D002122:Calcium Chloride; D010100:Oxygen; D002118:Calcium