Otoconial mineralization in post-natal development.

Otoconial mineralization has been studied in the utricle of post-natal rats, i.e. from birth to the 20th day. Calcium microanalytically detected is seen to decrease progressively until, after 20 days, when the level is rather lower than at birth. In the adult animal the calcium value is much higher, which leads us to believe that there is an immediate calcium loss that is later recovered. Calcium in the peripheral areas of the macula is proportionately less than in the central part.