Objective: Using scanning electron microscope to observe the ultrastructure of utricular maculae of mouse. Methods: Ten young (6 to 8 weeks) and ten old (>12 months) mice were executed, and their utricles were harvested and the specimens were processed, using scanning electron microscope to observe the structures of the utricles from the surface of otoconia layer to the roots of hair cell cilia. Results: Under the scanning electron microscope, several ultrastructures were observed, including otoconia layer, unstructured gelatinous extracellular matrix layer, honeycomb-like gelatinous extracellular matrix layer, inter-cilia otoconia and hair cell cilia associated with these structures. When compared with young mouse, the otoconia surface of aged mouse was smoother, the gelatinous extracellular matrix between the adjacent otoconias was thinner. Conclusions: Using SEM, ultrastructures can be clearly observed from surface otoconia layer to the roots of hair cell cilia. By the analysis of the ultrastructure of utricular maculae, it is helpful for investigation of the pathological mechanisms of vestibular diseases, such as otolith diseases.
目的： 通过扫描电镜观察小鼠内耳椭圆囊斑的超微结构。 方法： 年轻(6～8周龄)小鼠和年老(>12月龄)小鼠各10只，分别取出椭圆囊斑，制备电镜标本，扫描电镜下观察椭圆囊斑从表面的耳石层到毛细胞纤毛根部的结构特征。 结果： 扫描电镜下，能够观察到小鼠椭圆囊斑表面耳石层、无结构的胶质层、蜂窝状胶质层、纤毛间耳石及与这些结构相关联的毛细胞纤毛。与年轻小鼠相比，年老小鼠椭圆囊斑表面耳石颗粒较光滑，相邻耳石之间胶状物质变薄。 结论： 扫描电镜可以清晰观察到小鼠椭圆囊从表面耳石层到纤毛根部的超微结构，有助于阐明其生理意义及耳石症等前庭疾病的病理机制。.
Keywords: Mice; Microscopy, electron, scanning; Otolithic membrane; Saccule and utricle.