Effects of decalcification on the membraneous labyrinth

Abstract

Decalcification of the guinea-pig temporal bone was performed using a solution of 5.5% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (14 days) and 5% trichloracetic acid (4 days), respectively.Following the use of EDTA, the general cell structures were well preserved except for a slight distortion of outer hair cells in the organ of Corti. The fine morphology was acceptable though the cell membranes frequently appeared less distinct as compared with controls. Microfilaments/microtubules were preserved in the cells. The substructures of stereocilia and kinocilia can be identified.Decalcification with trichlor acetic acid caused morphological changes at the light microscopical level. The ultrastructure was extremely poor in all cells.For quantification of cochlear hair cells according to the block surface technique, both EDTA and trichlor acetic acid can be used for decalcification with good results.