No abstract

The ultrastructure of preserved ossicles at different shelf lives was compared. Homograft ossicles were harvested and preserved in 70% alcohol, 1:5000 Cialit (sodium-2-ethyl-mercuri-mercapto-benzoxazole-5-carboxylate), and buffered 4% formaldehyde at pH 7. The ultrastructure of each ossicle was studied by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy and was compared to that of fresh controls placed in 0.9 N saline solution. The results indicated clearly the superiority of 70% alcohol as a long-term preservative and 1:5000 Cialit as a short-term preservative.