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Understanding otolith biomineralization processes: new insights into microscale spatial distribution of organic and mineral fractions from Raman microspectrometry

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Abstract

It is generally accepted that the formation of otolith microstructures (L- and D-zones) and in particular the organic and mineral fractions vary on a daily basis. Raman microspectrometry provides a nondestructive technique that can be used to provide structural information on organic and mineral compounds. We applied it to thin otolith sections of hake in order to address the following issues: (1) the simultaneous characterization of variations in the organic and mineral fractions both in the core area and along successive otolith microstructures; (2) elucidation of significant differences between these fractions; (3) quantification of the effects of etching and staining protocols on otolith structures. The primordium appeared as a punctual area depicting higher luminescence and greater concentrations in organic compounds containing CH groups. Sulcus side showed similar composition suggesting that the contact of the otolith with the macula and its orientation in otosac occur rapidly (about 10 days). The characterization of L- and D-zones in the opaque zones indicated that both structures contained organic and aragonitic fractions with cyclic and synchronous variations. Contrary to the results obtained after EDTA etching, L-zones depicted greater concentrations in organic compounds containing CH groups, whereas D-zones appear richer in aragonite. This organic fraction seemed to be revealed by Mutvei’s staining and was affected by EDTA etching which suggests that it corresponds to the soluble fraction of organic matrix. Such results indicate that L- and D-zones differ in their respective organic constituents. Raman microspectrometry thus appears as a powerful technique to acquire quantitative information that is required for a better understanding of otolith biomineralization.

Raman microspectrometry is a powerful technique for studying otolith biomineralization

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ifremer, Laboratoire de Sclérochronologie des Animaux Aquatique STH/LASAA, Z.I. Pointe du diable, BP 70, 29280, Plouzané, France

    Aurélie Jolivet, Ronan Fablet & Hélène de Pontual

  2. Laboratoire de Physique de l’Etat Condensé, Faculté des Sciences, Université du Maine, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085, Le Mans Cedex 09, France

    Jean-François Bardeau

  3. Institut Telecom/ Telecom Bretagne, LabSTICC, Technopole Brest Iroise, CS83818, 29238, Brest Cedex 03, France

    Ronan Fablet

  4. LEMAR, UMR 6539 CNRS, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, Place Nicolas Copernic, 29 280, Plouzané, France

    Yves-Marie Paulet

Authors
  1. Aurélie Jolivet
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  2. Jean-François Bardeau
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  3. Ronan Fablet
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  4. Yves-Marie Paulet
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  5. Hélène de Pontual
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Correspondence to Aurélie Jolivet.

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Jolivet, A., Bardeau, JF., Fablet, R. et al. Understanding otolith biomineralization processes: new insights into microscale spatial distribution of organic and mineral fractions from Raman microspectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 392, 551–560 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2273-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2273-8

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