Effect of Glycerol on Cochlea Microcirculation

Abstract

Microcirulation in the cochlea of 12 normal anesthetized guinea pigs was investigated after intravenous infusion of 2.4 ml/kg of 40% glycerol. In these experiments endolymphatic PO₂, blood pressure. cochlear microphonics, and endocochlear potentials were recorded. Administration of glycerol caused a significant increase in endocochlear PO₂ for about 30 minutes. The improvement of hearing in patients with Meniere's disease is thus not only a result of the reduced hydrostatic preswe. as has been demonstrated by others. but may also he the result of vasodilatation. which improves micro-circulation in the cochlea with resultant increases in endocochlear PO₂.