X-ray microanalytical determination of P, S and K concentrations in the gelatinous membrane of the utricle

Acta Otolaryngol. 1993 Mar;113(2):176-80. doi: 10.3109/00016489309135788.

Abstract

Electron probe X-ray microanalysis was used to determine the concentrations of P, S and K (Cp, CS, CK) in the gelatinous membrane of the mouse utricle. The otolithic membranes were plunge-frozen in liquid N2, freeze-dried and carbon-coated. Quantitative analysis was carried out with an energy dispersive detector using the peak-to-background ratio method and different concentrations of KH2PO4 and K2SO4 salts dissolved in dextran solutions to calibrate the microprobe. P, S and K were measured and their concentrations plotted as bar graphs to study the frequency distributions. Regression analysis revealed a dependence between the concentrations of P and K (CK = 1454.10 - 2.83 CP, r = -0.68745, p < 0.05), and P and S (CS = 43.18 + 0.23 CP, r = 0.66949, p < 0.05); however, no correlation was found between CK and CP (r = -0.25424). The findings obtained in the present study show an inverse relationship between P and K ions, and direct relationship between P and S in the gelatinous membrane of the utricle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ear, Inner / chemistry
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Otolithic Membrane / chemistry*
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Potassium / analysis
  • Radiography
  • Saccule and Utricle / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / chemistry
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium