Hilal Uzun1, Ian S Curthoys, Allan S Jones. 1. Australian Key Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract
CONCLUSION: Through the application of high resolution X-ray micro-tomography and a method of contrast enhancement based on en bloc staining in osmium tetroxide (OsO4), we report an approach that facilitates accurate three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction to reveal the fine structure of the inner ear. OBJECTIVES: To overcome the problems of artefacts, including tissue distortion and loss of 3D context that are inherent in existing methods that rely on manual dissection and/or histological sectioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A staining protocol was developed that involved the en bloc application of the OsO4 solution (2% w/v) for an extended period of time. The samples were then scanned using an X-ray micro-tomography platform and subsequent 3D visualizations were constructed. RESULTS: The digital nature of the data allowed a complete 3D contextual visualization to be constructed whereby the individual sensory structures could be seen in relation to other inner ear structures. This included a detailed anatomy of the membranous labyrinth and nerve supply including the spatial configuration of the utricular and saccular maculae. This is a new way of undertaking temporal bone histology.
CONCLUSION: Through the application of high resolution X-ray micro-tomography and a method of contrast enhancement based on en bloc staining in osmium tetroxide (OsO4), we report an approach that facilitates accurate three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction to reveal the fine structure of the inner ear. OBJECTIVES: To overcome the problems of artefacts, including tissue distortion and loss of 3D context that are inherent in existing methods that rely on manual dissection and/or histological sectioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A staining protocol was developed that involved the en bloc application of the OsO4 solution (2% w/v) for an extended period of time. The samples were then scanned using an X-ray micro-tomography platform and subsequent 3D visualizations were constructed. RESULTS: The digital nature of the data allowed a complete 3D contextual visualization to be constructed whereby the individual sensory structures could be seen in relation to other inner ear structures. This included a detailed anatomy of the membranous labyrinth and nerve supply including the spatial configuration of the utricular and saccular maculae. This is a new way of undertaking temporal bone histology.
Authors: Christopher M Smith; Ian S Curthoys; Stefan K Plontke; Matthias Menzel; Payal Mukherjee; Christopher Wong; Jeffrey T Laitman Journal: J Assoc Res Otolaryngol Date: 2022-07-08
Authors: Andrew P Bradshaw; Ian S Curthoys; Michael J Todd; John S Magnussen; David S Taubman; Swee T Aw; G Michael Halmagyi Journal: J Assoc Res Otolaryngol Date: 2009-12-01
Authors: Seyed-Ahmad Ahmadi; Theresa Marie Raiser; Ria Maxine Rühl; Virginia Lee Flanagin; Peter Zu Eulenburg Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2021-02-08 Impact factor: 4.379