Effects of Chemical Alteration in the Endolymph on the Cochlear Potentials

Abstract

The scala media of the guinea pig cochlea was perfused with isotonic KC1, Ringer's solution and perilymph. The cochlear potentials were recorded during and subsequent to the perfusion. Our results indicated that in those animals perfused with perilymph the cochlear potentials were more remarkably depressed than in those perfused with KC1 solution. We propose that high potassium concentration in the endolymph is indispensable for maintaining cochlear function, while low potassium or high sodium media cause irreversible functional damage to the cochlea.