The Relation Between Endolymph and the Endocochlear Potential During Anoxia

Abstract

The time courses of decline in — E.P. during continued anoxia are paralleled by changes in the conductance of the endolymph in such a direction as to indicate a running down of the high K, low Na perilymph. Chemical analysis of endolymph at various times during anoxia was attempted using techniques previously developed for measuring normal endolymph. Whilst these analyses were not completely satisfactory, as possible perilymph contamination cannot be excluded, the results were entirely consistent with the theory that the — E.P. is a function of the differential ionic gradients, primarily that of K between scala media and plasma, of a similar nature to the resting membrane potentials of nerve and muscle.