Abstract
The experiments that have been carried out by us are concerned with the study of the chemical composition of the gastrocnemii muscles following labyrinthectomy. This study was carried out on 74 male rabbits of an average weight of about 1500 g each. The rabbits were not only chosen for similarity, but were also given the same food, which was provided ad libitum. Labyrinthectomy was performed by the De Kleyn method, followed by the study of the chemical composition of the gastrocnemii muscles, concerning total protein, lipids, phospholipids, potassium and sodium. The main results of this study are as follows:
(a) Unilateral labyrinthectomy in rabbits is followed by an increase in the fat content, as well as a decrease in the organic phosphorus (consisting mainly of phospholipids), of the gastrocnemius contralateral to the operated ear.
(b) This change is transitory as, fifty days after labyrinthectomy, no difference in chemical composition is observed between the gastrocnemius muscle of the operated and non-operated side.
(c) No definite effect is produced by unilateral labyrinthectomy on the concentration of muscle protein, potassium and sodium.