Human Otoconial Crystal Growth

Sánchez-fernández, J. M.; Rivera‐Pomar, J. M.; Tello, M. J.

doi:10.1159/000276042

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Otoconia have been studied extensively in a number of species, including human beings [Ross and Pote, 1984;Sanchez-Fernandez and Rivera-Pomar, 1984;Sanchez-Fernandez et al, 1989]. Their growth stages are very similar to those of the pineal microcrystals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calcite microcrystals in the pineal gland of the human brain: First physical and chemical studies

Baconnier

Lang

Połomska

et al. 2002

Bioelectromagnetics

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A new form of biomineralization has been studied in the pineal gland of the human brain. It consists of small crystals that are less than 20 microm in length and that are completely distinct from the often observed mulberry-type hydroxyapatite concretions. A special procedure was developed for isolation of the crystals from the organic matter in the pineal gland. Cubic, hexagonal, and cylindrical morphologies have been identified using scanning electron microscopy. The crystal edges were sharp whereas their surfaces were very rough. Energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that the crystals contained only the elements calcium, carbon, and oxygen. Selected area electron diffraction and near infrared Raman spectroscopy established that the crystals were calcite. With the exception of the otoconia structure of the inner ear, this is the only known nonpathological occurrence of calcite in the human body. The calcite microcrystals are probably responsible for the previously observed second harmonic generation in pineal tissue sections. The complex texture structure of the microcrystals may lead to crystallographic symmetry breaking and possible piezoelectricity, as is the case with otoconia. It is believed that the presence of two different crystalline compounds in the pineal gland is biologically significant, suggesting two entirely different mechanisms of formation and biological functions. Studies directed toward the elucidation of the formation and functions, and possible nonthermal interaction with external electromagnetic fields are currently in progress.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%