Effects of vestibular nerve transection on the calcium incorporation of fish otoliths.
Previous investigations revealed that the growth of fish inner ear otoliths (otolith size and calcium-incorporation) depends on the amplitude and the direction of gravity, suggesting the existence of a (negative) feedback mechanism. In search for the regulating unit, the vestibular nerve was transacted unilaterally in neonate swordtail fish (Xiphophorus helleri) which were subsequently incubated in the calcium-tracer alizarin-complexone. Calcium incorporation ceased on the transacted head sides, indicating that calcium uptake is neurally regulated. Grant numbers: 50 WB 9533, 50 WB 9997.
Anken
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RH
Zoological Institute, University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 30, D-70593, Stuttgart, Germany.
Edelmann
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E
Rahmann
H
H
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000880:Anthraquinones; D019771:Axotomy; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D003532:Cyprinodontiformes / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*; D003720:Densitometry; D006112:Gravitation; D018466:Gravity Sensing / Q000502:physiology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014725:Vestibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*
D000880:Anthraquinones; C070804:alizarin complexone; D002118:Calcium