Evaluation of the structure of the otoconial layer using micro-computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Endocrinology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Estrogen deficiency, induced by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), is linked to otoconial morphological alterations.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for otolith-related vestibular disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate otoconial layer morphological changes following OVX.
• To evaluate the efficacy of micro-computed tomography (µCT) in detecting these changes.

Main Methods:

• Otic capsules from C57BL/6J mice underwent histological analysis and µCT scanning 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-OVX or sham surgery.
• Utricle otoconial layer volume was quantified and compared between groups.
• µCT and histological findings were correlated.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in utricle otoconial layer volume was observed 4 weeks after OVX compared to sham controls (p < 0.05).
• µCT measurements of otoconial volume showed significant correlation with histological results (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• OVX induces significant morphological changes, specifically an increase in otoconial layer volume.
• µCT serves as a viable tool for detecting OVX-induced otoconial alterations.