X-ray microanalysis of fluid spaces in the frozen cochlea.
The cochlea is quick-frozen and then opened while under liquid nitrogen to expose the scalae of all turns in the mid-modiolar section. Still under liquid nitrogen, the cochlea is transferred to the cold stage of a pre-vacuum chamber especially constructed for attachment to the scanning electron microscope. Under partial vacuum, it is moved to the cold stage in the high vacuum chamber of a field-emission scanning electron microscope. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis demonstrates the relative levels of sodium, potassium, and chlorine in the fluid spaces of the cochlea.
D000818:Animals; D001489:Basilar Membrane / Q000032:analysis; D003051:Cochlea / Q000032:analysis*; D003052:Cochlear Aqueduct / Q000032:analysis; D003053:Cochlear Duct / Q000032:analysis; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D004710:Endolymph / Q000032:analysis*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007761:Labyrinthine Fluids / Q000032:analysis*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009925:Organ of Corti / Q000032:analysis; D010498:Perilymph / Q000032:analysis*; D012533:Scala Tympani / Q000032:analysis; D013680:Tectorial Membrane / Q000032:analysis
D004573:Electrolytes