SEM Studies of otolithes by freezed dry method

Abstract

It is well known that the artifacts are easily produced by those chemicals in the process of exposing otolithes by SEM. Instead the use of the usual method of fixation by glutaraldehyde and dehydration by alchohol, tried with freezed dry method with saccular otolithic membrane of guinea pigs, and obtained the results:
1. The surface of each otolith is smooth without fissure and the tridimensions on both sides are clear.
2. Otolithic layer punched out, so the underlying gelatine layer are exposed here and there.
3. Those otolithes remained after manipulation are linked in irregular hexagonal arrangement.