Measurement of Oxygen Tension in Human Perilymph

Abstract

The oxygen tension of the human perilymph has been determined without complications by using a technique based upon the polarographic principle. Carbon dioxide produced the most marked increase in oxygen tension in the human perilymph. No change in the peri-lymphatic PO₂ was observed after administration of eupaverine and low molecular weight dextran. 5% CO₂-95% O₂ has been found to be the gas mixture producing the largest increase in oxygen tension in the human perilymph, without side effects. In order to achieve maximal oxy-genation of the perilymph, the therapeutic administration of 5% CO₂-95% O₂ should continue for at least 30 minutes. At this preliminary stage it is not possible to assess the accuracy of the presented technique in determining the presence of a vascular disorder of the inner ear in patients.